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

May 28, 2015

Mardini on Iraqi Troops

By Ramzy Mardini

Military Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on the lack of US-trained troops in the Iraqi army’s Ramadi offensive:

Iraq

MENASource

May 27, 2015

A Better Solution to the Kurdish Arms Issue

By Daniel R. DePetris

Should the United States arm the Kurdish Peshmerga directly, without the consent and participation of the government in Baghdad?

Iraq

In the News

May 27, 2015

Mardini on Iraqi Tribal Rifts

By Ramzy Mardini

The Financial Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on how internal tribal divisions are hobbling Iraq’s response to ISIS:

Iraq

MENASource

May 26, 2015

Turkey’s Weakness in Iraq Tied to Weakness in Nujaifi

By Aaron Stein

The fall of Ramadi has prompted questions about the overarching US plan to degrade and defeat the Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL). For neighboring Turkey, the plan remains deeply flawed, owing to the notion that ISIS’s defeat requires the toppling of Bashar al-Assad in Syria.

Iraq Turkey

In the News

May 22, 2015

Slavin on US Strategy against ISIS on Issues in the News

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin joins Voice of America’s Issues in the News to discuss ISIS gains in Iraq and Syria, US strategy to combat ISIS, the declassified files found in bin Laden’s compound, and US politics:

Iraq Syria

MENASource

May 21, 2015

Can Turkey Compete with Iran in Iraq?

By Faysal Itani and Jeppe Sorenson

The United States in March extended its support to the Iraqi forces in Tikrit from reconnaissance to airstrikes, wisely predicted by the Iraqi president, in an attempt to hit two birds with one stone: defeating the Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) in Tikrit and to halt Iranian political influence and prevent “sectarian improprieties” in Iraq’s […]

Iran Iraq

MENASource

May 21, 2015

Ramadi in Context: Insurgents Not Resurging

By Ramzy Mardini

In what was a major setback to a government offensive to retake control of Anbar province, Iraqi security forces fled Ramadi as militants of the Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) took full control of the provincial capital city on May 17.

Iraq

In the News

May 20, 2015

Mardini on Changing US Strategy in the Fight against ISIS

By Ramzy Mardini

Military Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on changes in US strategy in the fight against ISIS:

Iraq

EconoGraphics

May 12, 2015

Two Decades of Sovereign Debt

By Global Business & Economics

Sovereign default is considered to be a rare event. But as the lessons of the past two decades show, they are far from extraordinary. According to the IMF, the main sovereign debt restructurings from the period spanning 1998 – 2010 totaled $117.6 billion. When Greece’s 2012 default is added to that sum, it means that […]

Economy & Business Fiscal and Structural Reform

New Atlanticist

May 6, 2015

Barzani: ‘An Independent Kurdistan is Coming’

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Kurdish leader says region will hold referendum after ISIS has been defeated Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) will hold a referendum on Kurdish independence once Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) extremists have been defeated, KRG President Masoud Barzani said May 6 at the Atlantic Council. Barzani couldn’t predict when an independent Kurdistan would […]

Iraq

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