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.

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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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Aug 13, 2014

Column: Above All Else, Save the Kurds

By Barbara Slavin

President Barack Obama is clearly not happy about ordering U.S. military intervention in Iraq again. But with Islamic State militants (ISIS) terrifyingly close to the Kurdish capital, Irbil, and 40,000 members of a religious minority facing death on a mountaintop, Obama decided to deploy a limited amount of U.S. airpower in a country where U.S. […]

Iraq

In the News

Aug 13, 2014

Joyner: No, We’re Not Supporting Regime Change in Iraq

By James Joyner

Brent Scowcroft Center Nonresident Senior Fellow James Joyner writes in the Hill on the US role in pushing out Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki:

Iraq
A cave facility in Norway used by the US military, 1997

NATOSource

Aug 13, 2014

Pentagon Increasing Its Arsenal of Weapons in Norway’s Caves

By Dan Lamothe, Washington Post

In the heart of Norway’s countryside, the U.S. military is bolstering its arsenal of weapons with tanks, gun trucks and other armored vehicles along with hundreds of containers of equipment.

Iraq NATO

In the News

Aug 13, 2014

Hof: Obama’s Options in Iraq

By Frederic C. Hof

Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic C. Hof is quoted by Bloomberg on the recently announced US military operation in Iraq:

Iraq

In the News

Aug 13, 2014

Itani: “Maliki Cannot Survive”

By Faysal Itani

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani is quoted in Foreign Policy on Nouri al-Maliki’s ouster in Iraq:

Iraq

New Atlanticist

Aug 12, 2014

To confront ISIS, get arms and emergency help to Iraq’s Kurds

By Bina Hussein and David Koranyi

US Has Declined to Arm Kurdish Forces, But That Now Must Change Iraq’s national army effectively has collapsed before the advance of the brutal guerrillas of the Islamic State, leaving only one effective fighting force – the Kurdish peshmerga – to confront them. As the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) has seized much […]

Iraq

In the News

Aug 12, 2014

Burrows: The Strongmen Cometh

By Mathew Burrows

Strategic Foresight Initiative director Mathew Burrows writes for US News & World Report on the return of authoritarianism to governments across the Middle East:

Iraq North Africa

In the News

Aug 12, 2014

Saab: Rolling Back ISIS

By Bilal Y. Saab

Brent Scowcroft Center Resident Senior Fellow for Middle East Security Bilal Y. Saab joins Background Briefing with Ian Masters to discuss how the United States can combat ISIS in Iraq:

Iraq

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

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