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

In the News

Sep 9, 2014

Mardini on Government Formation in Iraq

By Ramzy Mardini

The Associated Press quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on the challenges facing new Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi: 

Iraq

In the News

Sep 9, 2014

Mardini on Iraqi Government Formation

By Ramzy Mardini

The Financial Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on the surprise announcement of Iraq’s next government: 

Iraq

In the News

Sep 3, 2014

Itani on the Threat of ISIS

By Faysal Itani

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani joins the Diane Rehm Show to discuss the death of journalist Steven Sotloff at the hands of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham: Listen to the full interview.

Iraq

In the News

Sep 3, 2014

Slavin: US Official Says ISIS Threatens to Outpace al-Qaeda

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Fellow Barbara Slavin writes for Al-Monitor on an address given by National Counterterrorism Center Director Matthew Olsen on the threat of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham:

Iraq Syria

In the News

Sep 2, 2014

Benitez on ISIS: They are Using “Hearts and Minds Strategies”

By Jorge Benitez

NATOSource Director and Brent Scowcroft Center Senior Fellow Jorge Benitez joins Voice of America to discuss the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham:

Iraq

Article

Aug 31, 2014

Column: Saudi-Iran Meeting Could Boost Fight Against Islamic State

By Barbara Slavin

To say that there are a lot of moving pieces in the Middle East these days is certainly an understatement. From Libya to Yemen, Gaza to Iraq, outside powers are intervening in complex confrontations that pit religious fundamentalists against secularists, dictators against democrats and ethnic minorities against each other.

Iraq Libya

Article

Aug 29, 2014

“Why do some hostages die, and some are released?”

By Nicholas Burns

THIS LAST week’s deeply contrasting stories of two New Englanders caught in the Middle East’s maelstrom of violence — the savage murder of James Foley and the joyous release from captivity of Peter Theo Curtis — point to a central question: Why do some hostages die while others are released?

Iraq Syria

In the News

Aug 28, 2014

Itani: Is Assad Really Better Than ISIS?

By Faysal Itani

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani writes for the the Hill on the dangers of collaborating with the Assad government to combat the threat of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham:

Iraq

In the News

Aug 27, 2014

Itani on US Involvement in Iraq and Syria

By Faysal Itani

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani joins NPR’s On Point with Tom Ashbrook to discuss potential US military intervention in Iraq and Syria:

Iraq Syria

In the News

Aug 25, 2014

Hof on Fighting ISIS

By Frederic C. Hof

CNN quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on the key questions that remain in thinking about the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham:

Iraq Syria

Experts