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.

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Content

In the News

Aug 21, 2014

Itani: Obama’s Mission in Iraq is “Mainly Containment”

By Faysal Itani

The Washington Examiner quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on the beheading of American journalist James Foley by the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham:

Iraq

In the News

Aug 21, 2014

Slavin for Al-Monitor on ISIS

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes for Al-Monitor on US policy toward ISIS: 

Iraq

Article

Aug 21, 2014

Column: If Maliki Can Go, Why Not Assad?

By Barbara Slavin

The impressive results of U.S. air strikes in Iraq this month are prompting new calls from some quarters for similar U.S. intervention in Syria. Abdulrahman Dadam, president of the Free Aleppo Governorate Council, wrote an impassioned plea for a U.S./NATO no fly zone to protect his historic city from both the Islamic State (IS) and […]

Iraq Middle East

In the News

Aug 21, 2014

Hof on ISIS: Problem that Transcends National Boundaries

By Frederic C. Hof

Hariri Center Resident Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof speaks to The Economist on ISIS: 

Iraq

In the News

Aug 21, 2014

Itani on ISIS: They’re the Twitter Generation

By Faysal Itani

Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani is quoted by the Associated Press: 

Iraq

In the News

Aug 21, 2014

Itani on US Policy Toward ISIS

By Faysal Itani

Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani is quoted by Reuters on the beheading of American journalist James Foley and the Obama Administration’s policy toward ISIS:

Iraq

In the News

Aug 21, 2014

Mardini on the Evolution of ISIS

By Ramzy Mardini

MintPress News quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on the evolution of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham and how it is different from the violent extremist groups that preceded it: 

Iraq

In the News

Aug 20, 2014

Mardini on the Strengths and Weaknesses of ISIS

By Ramzy Mardini

The Global Post quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham:

Iraq

New Atlanticist

Aug 20, 2014

ISIS Execution: A Brutal “Message to America”

By New Atlanticist

The Islamist militant group ISIS executed US journalist James Foley as a political message aimed at changing US policy, with its recent air attacks on the group’s forces, says Atlantic Council resident fellow Faysal Itani. It also is meant to portray ISIS as a newly powerful player in the Middle East and thus to win […]

Iraq Syria

In the News

Aug 20, 2014

Ullman: Do Not Defer Action Against IS

By Harlan Ullman

Senior Advisor Harlan K. Ullman writes for UPI.com about how to deal with ISIS:

Iraq

Experts

Events