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.

Top experts

Content

MENASource

Mar 6, 2015

Gender and the Jihadist: Radical Islam and Women

By Rola el-Husseini

The approach of International Women’s Day on March 8 prompts some reflection not only on the difficulties women face in the Middle East, but also their changing roles in conflict and religion. As religious extremism dominates the headlines, subtle shifts in how women engage with this phenomenon begin to emerge.

Iraq Middle East

In the News

Mar 6, 2015

Slavin Hosts VOA’s Issues in the News

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin hosts VOA’s Issues in the News discussing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech to the US Congress about downfalls of a possible nuclear deal with Iran, the Iraq-ISIS fight over Tikrit, the controversy over Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email account for government business, and Boris Nemtsov’s assassination:

Iraq Israel

MENASource

Mar 5, 2015

The Tikrit Offensive Raises Hard Questions about US Policy

By Faysal Itani and Jeppe Sorensen

In Iraq, an assault on ISIS-held Tikrit, north of Baghdad, is underway. In theory, this serves US goals: defeating the Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) and restoring Iraq’s territorial integrity and political sovereignty. In practice, something different and more sinister is underway in Tikrit and Iraq writ large.

Iran Iraq

New Atlanticist

Mar 4, 2015

Vietnam on the Tigris and Euphrates?

By Harlan Ullman

For those of us old enough to recall the Vietnam War, fact and reality were obscured and mangled by successive White Houses anxious to reach the delusional “light at the end of the tunnel.” Tragically, at the end of the tunnel lay a quagmire that consumed 58,000 American and countless Vietnamese lives. In the highly complex […]

Iraq Syria

MENASource

Feb 26, 2015

ISIS Recruitment Tactics Stumble

By Mona Alami

As the pressure on the Islamic State (ISIS or ISIL) mounts against the backdrop of coalition attacks and a Kurdish offensive in Syria’s Raqqa region, militant recruitment has become a pressing matter for the radical organization, which has lost many fighters in clashes around Iraq and Syria.

Iraq Syria

MENASource

Feb 18, 2015

Iraq’s National Guard and the Perils of Decentralization

By Adam Simpson

Iraq’s Council of Ministers promulgated a long-gestating law to create a National Guard on February 3. The proposal would create local fighting forces comprised of militias answerable to respective provincial governments and the prime minister.

Iraq

New Atlanticist

Feb 12, 2015

Airstrikes will Strengthen ISIS, says Fayyad

By Ashish Kumar Sen

Former Palestinian Authority Prime Minister says root causes must be addressed The ongoing coalition airstrikes against the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham will do very little to destroy the militant group and may, in fact, enhance its ability to recruit more fighters, according to Salam Fayyad, a former Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority. […]

Iraq National Security

Defense Industrialist

Feb 11, 2015

Rescuing Pilots, Selling Airplanes

By James Hasik

The UAE’s demand for rescue V-22s is a marketing triumph that recalls a procurement failure.   The United Arab Emirates were in, bombing northern Iraq and western Syria with their widely praised Air Force, and allowing Major Mariam al Mansouri to strike a small blow for Arab women’s rights along the way. But then the Emirates were out, after […]

Defense Industry Iraq

In the News

Feb 9, 2015

Slavin: Shiite Militias Mixed Blessing in Iraq, Syria

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes for Al Monitor on the rise of Iran-backed militias on the battlefield in Iraq and Syria:

Iran Iraq
US Navy F-18s after conducting air strikes in Syria, Sept. 23, 2014

NATOSource

Feb 4, 2015

Infographic: Coalition Airpower Against ISIL in 2014

By Department of Defense

Airpower data for the international coalition fighting ISIL.

Iraq Syria

Experts

Events