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.

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.

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Content

In the News

Jan 12, 2016

Alami on Saudi-Iranian Relations

By Mona Alami

Junior College quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Mona Alami on Iraq’s position regarding raised tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran:

Iran Iraq

In the News

Jan 11, 2016

Hellyer: Why ISIS Cannot Be Negotiated With

By H.A. Hellyer

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Senior Fellow H.A. Hellyer writes for Defense One on how ISIS contrasts with historical terrorist organizations:

Iraq Syria

New Atlanticist

Jan 8, 2016

Has Turkey Become a Distraction in the War on ISIS?

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Turkey is a helpful coalition partner, but Ankara-Baghdad rift puts Iraqi Prime Minister in a tough spot, says Aaron Stein Turkey’s entry into the US-led coalition against the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) last summer was marked by Turkish airstrikes on Kurdish militias—a departure from the coalition’s mission. In November, Turkey shot down […]

Iraq Syria

In the News

Jan 6, 2016

Alami on Iraq’s Relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran

By Mona Alami

Reuters quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Mona Alami on how Iraq is dealing with the diplomatic fallout between Saudi Arabia and Iran:

Iran Iraq

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

Experts

Events