An Emergency in Iraq, an Underwhelming US Response

MENASource
Jun 30, 2025

Balancing acts and breaking points: Iraq’s US-Iran dilemma

By
C. Anthony Pfaff

The future of US–Iraq relations is neither as dim as it may first appear, nor as promising as one might hope.

Geopolitics & Energy Security
Iran

An Emergency in Iraq, an Underwhelming US Response

MENASource
Jun 4, 2025

Why Iraq should build bridges with its ‘new’ neighbor, Syria

By
Shermine Serbest

Iraq’s position on the Syria transition is split between two camps: the official government, and that of the powerful non-state actors.

Iraq
Middle East

An Emergency in Iraq, an Underwhelming US Response

MENASource
Apr 17, 2025

Trump must clarify his Iraq policy. Washington’s Middle East investment hangs in the balance.

By
Sarkawt Shamsulddin

Contradictory signals from the US president on Iraq’s Iran-connected Popular Mobilization Forces risks derailing hard-won progress.

Iraq
Middle East

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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Kirsten Fontenrose


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs
Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Middle East
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Abbas Kadhim


Resident Senior Fellow, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Iraq
Middle East


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David Mack


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative

Middle East
Politics & Diplomacy

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Masoud Mostajabi


Former Deputy Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative
Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Energy & Environment
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C. Anthony Pfaff


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
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Andrew L. Peek


Former Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Conflict
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Ahmed Tabaqchali


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
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Thomas S. Warrick


Nonresident Senior Fellow, Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Adrienne Arsht National Security Resilience Initiative
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Content

MENASource

Aug 11, 2014

An Emergency in Iraq, an Underwhelming US Response

By Faysal Itani

Although President Obama has cited humanitarian concerns for the fate of the endangered Yazidi minority, these air strikes were more likely precipitated by the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham’s (ISIS) recent significant military gains in Northern Iraq.

Iraq

MENASource

Aug 8, 2014

Uncertainties in the Wake of US Intervention in Iraq

By Ramzy Mardini

Last night, President Barack Obama addressed the American public on his decision to authorize two missions: one focused on providing humanitarian aid to tens of thousands of stranded Iraqi civilians from religious minorities fleeing from militants, and the other, to initiate US air strikes should militants advance against the Kurdish city of Irbil, where US […]

Iraq

New Atlanticist

Aug 8, 2014

Missing in Action (Still): A Broader Iraq Strategy

By Faysal Itani

Although President Obama cited humanitarian concerns for the fate of the endangered Yezidi minority, these air strikes were more likely precipitated by ISIS’s recent significant military gains in Northern Iraq. Kurdish forces, whom the US had expected to hold their ground against and indeed roll back ISIS, have struggled and ceded significant territory. There is […]

Iraq Middle East

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
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Experts

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Marie Forestier 

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic French

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Jon Wilks

Distinguished Fellow

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Crisis Management

Staff

Victoria J. Taylor 

Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business Energy & Environment

Fellow

Rend Al-Rahim

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Democratic Transitions

Fellow

Scott D. Berrier

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Indo-Pacific Security Initiative Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Policy

Fellow

Linda Lourie

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Artificial Intelligence Australia
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