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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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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

Jun 30, 2014

Itani on How the Iraqi Conflict Affects the Country’s Kurds

By Faysal Itani

Anadolu Agency quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on the possibility of a Kurdish state independent of Iraq, given recent action by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant:

Iraq

Event Recap

Jun 30, 2014

US Risks Losing Syria and Iraq to Jihadists

By The Atlantic Council

The Islamic State of Iraq and Sham (ISIS) continues to capture more territory and resources in both Iraq and Syria, making real progress in achieving their ultimate goal of establishing an Islamic State. On Thursday, June 26, 2014, the Atlantic Council’s Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East and Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security […]

Iraq

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

Experts

Events