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.

Top experts

Content

MENASource

Jul 16, 2014

Don’t Forget the Civilians in the Fight Against ISIS

By Sahr Muhammedally

In the fight against the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) and associated Sunni armed opposition groups, the United States should ensure its security assistance to the embattled Iraqi government rests on clear commitment on civilian protection for all Iraqis.

Iraq

In the News

Jul 15, 2014

Saab on Gulf Involvement in Iraq and Syria

By Bilal Y. Saab

World Politics Review quotes Brent Scowcroft Center Resident Senior Fellow for Middle East Security Bilal Y. Saab on the role of Gulf countries in the ongoing crisis in Iraq:

International Organizations Iraq

In the News

Jul 15, 2014

Mardini on Iraqi Parliament’s Deadlock Breaking

By Ramzy Mardini

The Wall Street Journal quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on the election of a speaker to Iraq’s parliament:

Iraq

In the News

Jul 15, 2014

Mardini on New Iraqi Speaker Appointment

By Ramzy Mardini

The Financial Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on the election of a new speaker to Iraq’s parliament: 

Iraq

In the News

Jul 15, 2014

Mardini on Iraqi Election of New Speaker

By Ramzy Mardini

The Washington Post quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on the election of a speaker for Iraq’s parliament: 

Iraq

In the News

Jul 14, 2014

McFate: Ten Rules for Raising an Army

By Sean McFate

Africa Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Sean McFate writes for War on the Rocks on why helping allies build better armies is a strategic imperative for the United States:

Iraq

In the News

Jul 10, 2014

Itani on How ISIS Threatens Jordanian Stability

By Faysal Itani

Al Jazeera America quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on how the presence of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham in Iraq could affect stability in Jordan:

Iraq

MENASource

Jul 10, 2014

The Kurdish Move Toward Independence

By Wladimir van Wilgenburg

The semi-autonomous Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) is increasingly moving toward independence from Iraq after northern and western territories fell into the hands of Sunni militants affiliated with the Islamic State (IS), or the Islamic State in Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).

Iraq

In the News

Jul 9, 2014

Khan on Sunni Economic Grievances in Iraq

By Mohsin Khan

Bloomberg quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Mohsin Khan on the role of economics in the ongoing crisis in Iraq: 

Iraq

In the News

Jul 8, 2014

Mardini on Iraq’s Fracturing

By Ramzy Mardini

CNN quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on the likelihood of Iraq splitting into three parts:

Iraq

Experts

Events