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

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

In the News

Jul 18, 2014

Al-Monitor: Congress May Take Up Bill to Withdraw US Advisers from Iraq

By Frederic C. Hof

Al-Monitor cites the Atlantic Council for featuring an event with Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof and Iraqi Ambassador Lukman Faily:

Iraq

MENASource

Jul 18, 2014

Behind Iraq’s Selection of a New Speaker

By Ramzy Mardini

With the election of a new speaker of parliament earlier this week, the Iraqis have begun the formal process of forming its next government. On Tuesday, Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish parliamentarians appointed a new speaker of parliament, bringing them one step closer to determining the fate of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Nevertheless, the procedure had […]

Iraq

Experts

Events