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

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

In the News

Jun 25, 2014

Mardini on Potential Successors to Maliki

By Ramzy Mardini

The Wall Street Journal quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Ramzy Mardini on the five potential successors to Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki:

Iraq

In the News

Jun 24, 2014

Itani on the Effects of Iraq Crisis on Jordan

By Faysal Itani

Monitor Global Outlook quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on the impact Sunni militants in Iraq and Syria may have on stability in Jordan:

Iraq Syria

In the News

Jun 24, 2014

Benitez on NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

By Jorge Benitez

NATOSource Director and Brent Scowcroft Center Senior Fellow Jorge Benitez joins CCTV to discuss how Secretary Kerry’s visit to Iraq will impact NATO discussions on the ongoing crisis there:

Iraq NATO

In the News

Jun 24, 2014

Polcari: Go the Diplomatic Route in Iraq

By John Polcari

John Polcari, of the Brent Scowcroft Center’s Middle East Peace and Security Initiative, writes for US News and World Report on why it is important for the United States to encourage political reform in Iraq through diplomacy instead of militarily: 

Iraq

In the News

Jun 24, 2014

Mardini on the Shia-Kurdish Rift in Iraq

By Ramzy Mardini

Financial Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on the political rift between Iraq’s Shia and Kurdish populations: 

Iraq

Experts

Events