Iraq

The United States and Iraq are strategically tied through mutual interests related to the stability and security of the region. Iraq plays an important role in securing energy resources, combating extremist groups such as ISIS, and managing regional tensions. In the aftermath of the US invasion in 2003, Iraq continues to face significant challenges in attracting investment, improving governance and service delivery, balancing relations with its neighbors, and raising the quality of life of everyday Iraqis. A strong US-Iraqi relationship depends on continued cooperation on security, economic and regional affairs.

Belgium Seeks More Action on Intelligence Shared Among European Nations

Dispatches
Dec 10, 2025

Dispatch from Iraq: The biggest challenge awaiting the country’s next prime minister

By
Victoria J. Taylor 

A recent visit to Iraq following parliamentary elections reveals a growing divide between the political elite and the people.

Elections
Iraq

Belgium Seeks More Action on Intelligence Shared Among European Nations

New Atlanticist
Nov 14, 2025

Experts react: How will Iraq’s parliamentary election shape the country’s politics?

By
Atlantic Council experts

Our experts examine what the results of Tuesday’s elections mean for the future of Iraqi politics and Baghdad’s regional role.

Civil Society
Democratic Transitions

Belgium Seeks More Action on Intelligence Shared Among European Nations

Dispatches
Nov 10, 2025

Dispatch from Baghdad: Don’t confuse the calm around Iraq’s election with stability

By
Yerevan Saeed

Iraqi society faces several slow-burning stressors, from water and climate problems to over-centralization and narcotics trafficking.

Democratic Transitions
Elections

Programs

The Iraq Initiative provides transatlantic and regional policy makers with unique perspectives and analysis on the ongoing challenges and opportunities facing Iraq as the country tries to build an inclusive political system, attract economic investment, and encourage a vibrant civil society.

EXPLORE THE Iraq INitiative

Top experts

Staff


Victoria J. Taylor 


Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business
Energy & Environment

Staff


Nibras Basitkey


Associate Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Economy & Business

Staff


William F. Wechsler


Senior Director, Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

National Security
Middle East


Fellow


Alina L. Romanowski


Distinguished Fellow

Iraq Initiative
Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Economy & Business
Geopolitics & Energy Security

Fellow


C. Anthony Pfaff


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
English

Fellow


Ahmed Tabaqchali


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Economy & Business

Fellow


Rend Al-Rahim


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Democratic Transitions

Fellow


Yerevan Saeed


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Energy & Environment

Fellow


Akeel Abbas


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Human Rights

Fellow


Jennifer Gavito


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
French

Fellow


Safwan Al-Amin


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
English

Fellow


Omar Al-Nidawi


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Energy & Environment

Content

Bremain vs Brexit

Mar 28, 2016

Belgium Seeks More Action on Intelligence Shared Among European Nations

By Ashish Kumar Sen

‘That is a weak spot for some,’ says Johan Verbeke, Belgium’s Ambassador to the United States European nations need to do a better job of working together to detect, share, and act on intelligence related to terrorist plots, according to Johan Verbeke, Belgium’s Ambassador to the United States. “There is information that we share with […]

European Union International Organizations

In the News

Mar 28, 2016

Pollack Writes for the Brookings Institution on the Military Situation in Iraq and the Fight Against ISIS

By Future of Iraq Task Force Member Kenneth Pollack

Iraq Task Force Member Kenneth Pollack discusses the US military campaign to defeat ISIS. Pollack asserts that Baghdad’s announcement of the start of liberation of Mosul is premature due to the lack of a feasible plan of reconstruction once the city is liberated. Read the full article here.

Iraq

MENASource

Mar 28, 2016

What “Inclusivity” Means in Iraq

By Safwan Al-Amin

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced on February 9, 2016 that he would push for the replacement of the current ministers with a “technocratic” cabinet. Having promised reforms without clear implementation in the past, there is much confusion over what change is forthcoming and apprehension over its potential implications.

Iraq

MENASource

Mar 25, 2016

Is ISIS Decentralizing?

By Mona Alami

Judging from the Islamic State’s (ISIS or ISIL) recent killing spree, the terrorist organization has demonstrated its ability to maintain it operational capacity to target the West. This week’s coordinated attacks in Brussels claimed by ISIS resulted in over 31 deaths and 200 injured attacks, taking place against the backdrop of threats by the organization […]

Iraq Syria

In the News

Mar 24, 2016

National Review mentions the Task Force launch and its discussion of Sykes-Picot borders

By Future of Iraq Task Force

The National Review mentions the launch of the Task Force on the Future of Iraq and the discussion of the efficacy of  Sykes-Picot borders. Read the full article here.

Iraq

New Atlanticist

Mar 23, 2016

On Brussels Bombings: ‘The Moment Has Come When We Need to Act,’ says Kosovo’s President Atifete Jahjaga

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Kosovo’s President, Atifete Jahjaga, has called on governments in countries facing the threat of Islamic terrorism to set aside political differences and ramp up intelligence sharing and cooperation with their neighbors. “The moment has come when we need to act,” Jahjaga said in an interview on March 23. Jahjaga spoke on a visit to the […]

European Union International Organizations

In the News

Mar 23, 2016

Itani in Democracy Journal: Taking on ISIS – and Assad

By Faysal Itani

Read the full article here.

Iraq Syria

MENASource

Mar 21, 2016

The Problem with the Obama Doctrine

By H.A. Hellyer

The ‘Obama Doctrine’ is finally taking shape—with The Atlantic magazine revealing its most salient points through a series of conversations with the US president—but the insights are not all flattering, not least when it comes to the Arab world.

Iraq Libya

MENASource

Mar 16, 2016

Retaking Mosul: ISIS and Human Shields

By Sahr Muhammedally

Talks about retaking Mosul from the Islamic State (ISIS)—a city of 1 million people—are once again in the news. But Iraqi and US military planners need to think creatively about how best to minimize civilian harm in what is anticipated to be a long and fierce urban campaign where ISIS fighters are likely to be […]

Iraq

New Atlanticist

Mar 16, 2016

Is Dissent Brewing in ISIS’ Ranks Over Plans to Strike the United States, Europe?

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Top commanders ‘disavow’ shift of strategy away from caliphate-building, says journalist A shift from the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham’s goals of building a caliphate to attacking Europe and the United States is reportedly causing a rift in the terrorist group’s upper echelons. A lieutenant to ISIS’ self-proclaimed caliph, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, told Martin […]

Iraq Syria
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Experts

Fellow

Elliot Ackerman

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Policy

Fellow

Akeel Abbas

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Human Rights

Fellow

Safwan Al-Amin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Omar Al-Nidawi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Energy & Environment

Fellow

Rend Al-Rahim

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Democratic Transitions

Fellow

John B. Barranco

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Americas Iraq
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Events

Public Event Mon, April 20, 2026 • 2:30 pm ET

The future of Iraq-Syria relations
Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy Syria
Public Event Wed, May 13, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

The 2026 Iraq Dialogue
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy