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.

Itani on Options in Iraq

Dispatches
Dec 10, 2025

Dispatch from Iraq: The biggest challenge awaiting the country’s next prime minister

By
Victoria J. Taylor 

A recent visit to Iraq following parliamentary elections reveals a growing divide between the political elite and the people.

Elections
Iraq

Itani on Options in Iraq

New Atlanticist
Nov 14, 2025

Experts react: How will Iraq’s parliamentary election shape the country’s politics?

By
Atlantic Council experts

Our experts examine what the results of Tuesday’s elections mean for the future of Iraqi politics and Baghdad’s regional role.

Civil Society
Democratic Transitions

Itani on Options in Iraq

Dispatches
Nov 10, 2025

Dispatch from Baghdad: Don’t confuse the calm around Iraq’s election with stability

By
Yerevan Saeed

Iraqi society faces several slow-burning stressors, from water and climate problems to over-centralization and narcotics trafficking.

Democratic Transitions
Elections

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.

EXPLORE THE Iraq INitiative

Top experts

Staff


Victoria J. Taylor 


Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Economy & Business
Energy & Environment

Staff


Nibras Basitkey


Associate Director, Iraq Initiative

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Economy & Business

Staff


William F. Wechsler


Senior Director, Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

National Security
Middle East


Fellow


Alina L. Romanowski


Distinguished Fellow

Iraq Initiative
Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative

Economy & Business
Geopolitics & Energy Security

Fellow


C. Anthony Pfaff


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
English

Fellow


Ahmed Tabaqchali


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Economy & Business

Fellow


Rend Al-Rahim


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Democratic Transitions

Fellow


Yerevan Saeed


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Energy & Environment

Fellow


Akeel Abbas


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Human Rights

Fellow


Jennifer Gavito


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
French

Fellow


Safwan Al-Amin


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
English

Fellow


Omar Al-Nidawi


Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative
Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic
Energy & Environment

Content

In the News

Jun 30, 2014

Itani on Options in Iraq

By Faysal Itani

Bloomberg quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on Russian and Iranian involvement in the ongoing crisis in Iraq:

Iran Iraq

Defense Industrialist

Jun 29, 2014

Russian Military-Industrial Complex 1, USA’s 0.

By James Hasik

Dmitry Rogozin’s people got jets and pilots to Iraq yesterday. In yesterday’s Ottawa Citizen, David Pugliese quoted Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki as finding yet another way to blame the collapse of his army on the United States. His new F-16s are not due to arrive until the autumn, and he asserts that “if we had air […]

Iraq

In the News

Jun 29, 2014

Hof on US Foreign Policy in Iraq and Syria

By Frederic C. Hof

The National Journal quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on US Strategy toward Syria and Iraq:

Iraq Syria

In the News

Jun 28, 2014

Ullman: Too Many Archdukes, Too Many Bullets

By Harlan Ullman

Brent Scowcroft Center Senior Adviser Harlan Ullman writes for UPI on events taking place in countries such as Pakistan, Iran, and Iraq:

Iraq Pakistan

In the News

Jun 28, 2014

Slavin on Iranian and Syrian Involvement in Iraq

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin joins Voice of America’s Issues in the News to discuss the ongoing situation in Iraq:

Iran Iraq

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
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Experts

Fellow

Elliot Ackerman

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Afghanistan Defense Policy

Fellow

Akeel Abbas

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Human Rights

Fellow

Safwan Al-Amin

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic English

Fellow

Omar Al-Nidawi

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Energy & Environment

Fellow

Rend Al-Rahim

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Iraq Initiative Rafik Hariri Center & Middle East programs

Arabic Democratic Transitions

Fellow

John B. Barranco

Nonresident Senior Fellow

Forward Defense Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security

Americas Iraq
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Events

Online Event Tue, March 24, 2026 • 10:00 am ET

The future of Iran’s axis of resistance
Iran Iraq Israel Lebanon
Public Event Mon, April 20, 2026 • 2:30 pm ET

The future of Iraq-Syria relations
Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy Syria
Public Event Wed, May 13, 2026 • 9:00 am ET

The 2026 Iraq Dialogue
Geopolitics & Energy Security Iraq Middle East Politics & Diplomacy