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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.

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In the News

Dec 29, 2015

Alami: Is a New Approach Needed in the War on ISIS in Iraq?

By Mona Alami

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Mona Alami writes for Al Monitor on the next steps surrounding combat operations against ISIS in Iraq:

Iraq

In the News

Dec 29, 2015

Slavin: US-Led Coalition Chips Away at ISIS ‘Caliphate’

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes for Voice of America on how the US-led coalition against ISIS has been consistently degrading the terrorist organization’s efforts and power in Iraq:

Iraq

In the News

Dec 22, 2015

Alami: Almichzi and Divided Loyalties

By Mona Alami

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Mona Alami writes for Asharq Al-Awsat on divisions among Iraq’s population mobilization forces, which lead to diverging agendas Read the full article here.

Iraq

New Atlanticist

Dec 18, 2015

Saudi Arabia Must Find Cure for ‘Wahhabi Virus,’ Says Iraqi Lawmaker

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Most important factor in the war on ISIS is theological, says Mowaffak al Rubaie, a former National Security Advisor of Iraq Mowaffak al Rubaie is a former National Security Advisor of Iraq who currently serves as a member of parliament in Baghdad. In this interview with the New Atlanticist’s Ashish Kumar Sen, Rubaie discusses the […]

Iran Iraq

MENASource

Dec 18, 2015

The US-Iraq Disconnect over Fighting ISIS

By Nussaibah Younis

Time and time again, the US administration has said that the Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) cannot be defeated in Iraq without local Sunnis spearheading the fight.

Iraq

In the News

Dec 11, 2015

Ricciardone on Turkey, Iraq, and ISIS

By Francis Ricciardone

Trend News Agency quotes Vice President and Rafik Hariri Center Director Francis Ricciardone on tensions between Turkey and Iraq, and why they should focus on defeating their common enemy, ISIS:

Iraq Turkey

MENASource

Dec 11, 2015

Turkey Deepens Its Presence in Nineveh

By Aaron Stein

Turkey has deployed some 150 troops to train a militia under the control of Osama and Atheel Nujaifi, two close Turkish allies in Iraq. Nineveh’s former governor, Atheel al-Nujaifi, authorized Ankara to deploy trainers near the town of Bashiqa in March, ostensibly to train a hold force to take control of Mosul once the city […]

Iraq Turkey

In the News

Dec 9, 2015

Mardini: No Authority: Shiite Militarization in a Fragmented Iraq

By Ramzy Mardini

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini writes for World Politics Review on the Iraqi government’s attempts to find stability and control: 

Iraq

In the News

Dec 7, 2015

Stein on Turkish Troops in Iraq

By Aaron Stein

Reuters quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Aaron Stein on the additional Turkish troops moving to a base in northern Iraq to fight ISIS:

Iraq Turkey

In the News

Dec 6, 2015

Stein on Turkish Troops in Iraq

By Aaron Stein

Bloomberg quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Aaron Stein on Turkey backtracking on its plan to deploy additional troops into Iraq:

Iraq Turkey

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