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

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

MENASource

Jul 23, 2014

Is Iraq Backsliding Toward Another Civil War?

By Omar al-Dulimi

Iraqi politicians are gathering today to elect a new president, in their continuing struggle to take a small but vital step toward ending political deadlock and creating a power-sharing government.

Iraq

In the News

Jul 22, 2014

Hof on ISIS in Syria and Iraq

By Frederic C. Hof

The Washington Free Beacon quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on the role of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham:

Iraq Syria

MENASource

Jul 22, 2014

Salvaging What Remains of the Nation State: The Missing Example of Egyptian Democracy

By Amr Hamzawy

Contrary to regimes in other Arab states in the Levant and the Gulf, the Egyptian government has never undermined Arab identity by spreading ideas of a dichotomy between Sunni and Shiite, of a conflict between Sunni-dominated areas and those living in the Shiite crescent, or of a conflict between Arabs and non-Arabs living in the […]

International Organizations Iraq

Experts