Featured commentary & analysis

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.

Learn more about the Middle East programs

Middle East Programs

Working with our allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

Content

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

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

Experts

Events