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

In the News

Jul 8, 2014

Mardini on ISIS in Mosul

By Ramzy Mardini

Reuters quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on ISIS extremists capturing former members of their organization in Iraq:

Iraq

MENASource

Jul 7, 2014

Iraqis Spinning Their Wheels

By Ramzy Mardini

Last month, Secretary of State John Kerry made his second trip to Iraq since taking on his current position, hoping it would end better than his first visit.

Iraq

In the News

Jul 5, 2014

Mardini on a Successor to Maliki

By Ramzy Mardini

The Guardian quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on Ahmad Chalabi, a potential successor to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki:

Iraq

In the News

Jul 5, 2014

Mardini on Militant Ambitions in Iraq

By Ramzy Mardini

National Public Radio quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on whether Islamist militant gains in Iraq and Syria highlights an overreaching that will open rifts with its current partners:

Iraq

In the News

Jul 4, 2014

Itani on the Conflict in Iraq

By Faysal Itani

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani joins Voice of America’s Encounter to discuss the ongoing situation in Iraq:

Iraq

In the News

Jul 4, 2014

Mardini on the Role of Kurds in Iraq Crisis

By Ramzy Mardini

The Washington Post quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on how Iraqi Kurds are using the country’s crisis to their advantage: 

Iraq

In the News

Jul 4, 2014

Mardini: “Iraq’s Sectarian Politics is Like a Game of Musical Chairs”

By Ramzy Mardini

The Financial Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on the gathering in Irbil of Iraq’s Sunni leadership to discuss removing Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki from power:

Iraq

Event Recap

Jul 3, 2014

Off-the-Record Dinner with Members of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq Delegation

By The Atlantic Council

On June 30, 2014, the Dinu Patriciu Eurasia Center hosted a private dinner for a delegation from Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) consisting of H.E. Fuad Hussein, Chief of Staff to the President, and H.E. Falah Mustafa Bakir, Head of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Iraq

In the News

Jul 3, 2014

Mardini: “There is No Unified Sunni Endgame”

By Ramzy Mardini

The Los Angeles Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on the ongoing Sunni militant insurgency inside Iraq:

Iraq
What the Failures of Iraqi and Ukrainian Armies Can Teach Us

Defense Industrialist

Jul 3, 2014

On the Failures of the Iraqi and Ukrainian Armies

By James Hasik

Political change must precede successful assistance from the west. The collapse of the Iraqi Army last month did seem shocking: eight hundred gunmen from the jihadist group formerly known as ISIS, armed with nothing heavier than a DiShKa on a technical, somehow routed two Iraqi divisions in just days. As I noted last weekend, Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki blames this fiasco on […]

Iraq Ukraine

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