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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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News

Aug 7, 2014

Mardini on Iran’s Role in Iraq

By Ramzy Mardini

The BBC quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on Iranian intervention in Iraq:

Iraq

MENASource

Aug 6, 2014

ISIS and the Iraq Economy

By Mohsin Khan

As the jihadists of the Islamic State, formerly known as the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), capture more and more territory in Iraq, the question on the minds of observers is what will become of the Iraqi state?

Iraq

In the News

Aug 3, 2014

Mardini: Situation in Iraq Will be “Difficult to Backpedal”

By Ramzy Mardini

The Financial Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on the role of Shia militants in Iraq:

Iraq

MENASource

Jul 31, 2014

Poverty and Conflict in the Middle East

By Matthew Timmerman

From its outset, the self-immolation of a crestfallen Tunisian vegetable vendor, the Arab Spring was largely about poverty. Mohamed Bouazizi’s final words before igniting himself and the region were, “How do you expect me to make a living?”

Iraq Middle East

Event Recap

Jul 29, 2014

The Enemy of My Enemy: An Uneasy Coalition and the Threat of ISIS

By The Atlantic Council

The alarming expansion of the jihadist group the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) has prompted regional and international powerbrokers with vested security and economic interests in the broader Middle East to reassess their regional strategies. The United States and key Gulf states on one side, and Iran and Syria on the other, share […]

Iran Iraq
Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, Jan. 18. 2012

NATOSource

Jul 28, 2014

Special Summit Series: Turkey and NATO

By Ross Wilson

Turkey’s new head of state will participate in the NATO Wales Summit just a few weeks after the country’s first-ever popular vote for president.

Economy & Business Iraq

MENASource

Jul 28, 2014

Maliki’s Last Dance?

By Ramzy Mardini

Iraq’s parliamentarians elected a new president last week, advancing the process of forming a government to the most vexing phase in determining who will become the next prime minister.

Iran Iraq

In the News

Jul 28, 2014

Mardini on Maliki’s Campaign to Galvanize Civilian Support

By Ramzy Mardini

Reuters quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on how Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is using state television to persuade his population to help confront the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham:

Iraq

In the News

Jul 24, 2014

Hof: “Momentum is No Longer in [ISIS’s] Favor”

By Frederic C. Hof

Al Arabiya quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on the ongoing crisis in Iraq:

Iraq

In the News

Jul 24, 2014

Mardini on New Iraqi President

By Ramzy Mardini

The New York Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on the selection of a new Iraqi president:

Iraq

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