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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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Content

In the News

Aug 12, 2014

Larémont on the Situation in Iraq

By Ricardo Rene Laremont

Africa Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Ricardo René Larémont joins China Radio International to discuss the situation in Iraq:

Iraq

In the News

Aug 12, 2014

Itani on Long-Term US Involvement in Iraq

By Faysal Itani

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani joins the Diane Rehm Show to discuss US involvement in Iraq:  Listen to the full interview.

Iraq

In the News

Aug 11, 2014

Mardini on a New Nominee to Succeed Maliki

By Ramzy Mardini

The Los Angeles Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on Nouri al-Maliki’s reaction to the nomination of a new politician to succeed him as Iraqi prime minister:

Iraq

In the News

Aug 11, 2014

Mardini on New Candidate for Iraqi Prime Minister

By Ramzy Mardini

The Associated Press quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on the selection of a new politician by Iraq’s president to form the country’s next government:

Iraq

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

Experts