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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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In the News

Jun 27, 2014

Mardini on the Success of ISIS in Iraq

By Ramzy Mardini

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini joins Background Briefing with Ian Masters to discuss the ongoing crisis in Iraq: Listen to the full interview.

Iraq

In the News

Jun 27, 2014

Hof on the Blurring of the Iraq-Syria Border

By Frederic C. Hof

US News and World Report quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham and the blurring of the border between Iraq and Syria:

Iraq Syria

In the News

Jun 27, 2014

Itani on Secretary Kerry’s Visit to Iraq

By Faysal Itani

The National quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on Secretary Kerry’s visit to the Middle East and his attempts to rally allies against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant:

Iraq

MENASource

Jun 27, 2014

Solving the ISIS Crisis

The situation in Iraq has become more dire by the day. Ever since the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) crossed from Syria into Iraq, the group’s march through the country’s north has not only facilitated the acquisition of weapons and resources, but also bolstered its standing among disenfrachised and frustrated men on both […]

Iraq Syria

Issue Brief

Jun 27, 2014

Losing Syria and Iraq to jihadists

By Faysal Itani

Jihadists in Iraq and Syria, led by the Islamic State of Iraq and Sham (ISIS) are capturing cities, energy assets, and military hardware daily. They now control a territory the size of Jordan and are building a state from which they aspire and are increasingly able to attack US regional interests, allies, and the United […]

Iraq Syria

In the News

Jun 27, 2014

Joyner: Neoconservatives, the Iraq Debate, and Ad Hominem Attacks

By James Joyner

Brent Scowcroft Center Nonresident Senior Fellow James Joyner writes for the National Interest on why ad hominem attacks on those who advocated for the Iraq War makes for “poor debate:”

Iraq

MENASource

Jun 26, 2014

Will Hezbollah Expand Operations to Iraq?

By Karen Leigh

Lebanese security forces stormed the third-floor room of a suicide bomber at the Duroy Hotel in the upscale Beirut neighborhood of Raouche on June 25. They said it was a preventative measure, that the bomber—who blew himself up when police arrived—would have done it elsewhere, later.

Iraq Middle East

In the News

Jun 26, 2014

Slavin: ‘Valiant’ in Soccer, Can Iran Achieve Diplomatic Goals?

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes for Voice of America on whether Iran will be able to achieve its diplomatic goals:

Iraq

In the News

Jun 26, 2014

Itani: The United States Has “Little Leverage” with Key Figures in Iraq

By Faysal Itani

Bloomberg quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on Secretary of State John Kerry’s visit to Iraq in order to help resolve the conflict there: 

Iraq

In the News

Jun 26, 2014

Saab: Assad’s Priority is to Fight Rebels in His Own Country

By Bilal Y. Saab

The Associated Press quotes Brent Scowcroft Center Resident Senior Fellow for Middle East Security Bilal Y. Saab on the Syrian government aircraft bombing of Sunni militant targets inside Iraq:

Iraq Syria

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