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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

Jul 25, 2015

Ricciardone on Turkey Expanding Air Campaign

By Francis J. Ricciardone

The National quotes Vice President and Rafik Hariri Center Director Francis J. Ricciardone on Turkey expanding its cross-border strikes against ISIS in Syria to include Kurdish militant bases in northern Iraq:

Iraq Syria

In the News

Jul 22, 2015

Lipke: How to Wage War Against ISIS Online

By Alexa Lipke

Transatlantic Security Initiative Intern Alexa Lipke writes for The National Interest on how to fight ISIS’s online influence:

Iraq Syria

In the News

Jul 21, 2015

Hadley and Ricciardone on ISIS

By Atlantic Council

Vice President and Rafik Hariri Center Director Francis Ricciardone and former National Security Advisor and Middle East Strategy Task Force (MEST) Co-Chair Stephen Hadley join Voice of America to discuss ways to combat ISIS and the need for strong governance in Syria and Iraq to combat terrorism:

Iraq Syria

MENASource

Jul 17, 2015

Washington and Tehran Remain at Odds in Iraq

By Aaron Stein

On Tuesday July 15, the P5+1 and Iran finalized an agreement that places significant limits on Iran’s nuclear program for the next twenty-five years.

Iran Iraq
UK Gen. Sir Nicholas Houghton and US Gen. Martin Dempsey, Jan. 22, 2015

NATOSource

Jul 16, 2015

UK Defense Chief Sees Air Force Combat Jet Fleet Stretched

By Robert Wall, Wall Street Journal

Britain’s top military officer said Wednesday the country’s fleet of combat jets is stretched to the limit and could struggle to take on additional roles in fighting Islamist extremists in the Middle East without scaling back elsewhere.

Iraq Syria

In the News

Jul 8, 2015

Mardini on US Military in Iraq

By Ramzy Mardini

The Washington Examiner quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on the implications of US military involvement in Iraq, in light of the Obama administration’s pending decision to send more troops overseas: 

Iraq

In the News

Jul 5, 2015

Khoury: The Rise of the ISIS

By Nabeel Khoury

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Nabeel Khoury writes for The Cairo Review of Global Affairs, reviewing journalist Patrick Cockburn’s book which records his observations on the ground in Syria and Iraq:

Iraq Syria

MENASource

Jun 17, 2015

Protecting Refugees in Protracted Emergencies in the Middle East

By Bill Frelick

Um Ghassan was eleven in 1948 when her family fled Haifa. They joined the Palestinian exodus to Jordan, and later moved to Syria. “They welcomed us like we were their relatives,” she said. Decades later, when fighting broke out in Syria in 2011, Um Ghassan initially stayed in her house. “I would never leave my […]

Iraq Libya

MENASource

Jun 17, 2015

Fading Christianity in Syria and Iraq

By Knox Thames

The quagmires of Syria and Iraq have forced millions to flee, both internally displaced people and new refugees escaping across borders. The international community is failing to meet their needs, with UN agencies announcing cuts in food programs due to a lack of funds.

Iraq Syria

SyriaSource

Jun 16, 2015

The Limits of ISIS Expansion

By Faysal Itani

Shortly after losing Tikrit to Iraqi security forces and militia, the Islamic State seized Ramadi, the capital of Iraq’s Anbar province, and captured the ancient city of Palmyra in central Syria just a few days later.

Iraq Syria

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