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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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MENASource

Jun 13, 2014

Syrian Rebels Unite to Fight Off an ISIS Eastward Push

By Karen Leigh

As fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) prepared to march towards Baghdad on Friday, the often fragmented forces of Syria’s opposition formed a coalition to ward off the group’s anticipated expansion into the east.

Iraq Syria

In the News

Jun 13, 2014

Itani on Whether the United States will Engage in Iraq

By Faysal Itani

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani joins Al Arabiya to discuss the likelihood of US military involvement as the situation in Iraq deteriorates:

Iraq

MENASource

Jun 13, 2014

Syria: The Impact of ISIS In Iraq

By Frederic C. Hof

As the Obama administration considers a significant change of policy direction for Syria, the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS)—one of the more vicious of al-Qaeda franchises—runs amok in Iraq, cashing in on the profound rot personified by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. It seems that nothing in the Middle East stands still long […]

Iraq Syria

MENASource

Jun 13, 2014

Kurds Poised to Benefit From Baghdad’s Failures

By Wladimir van Wilgenburg

Despite the incredible gains that the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has made in Iraq in the past few days, the Kurdish government has lent its security forces to aid in pushing the paramilitary group out of the north. But with the abandonment of Iraqi army posts, the Kurdish authority may now have […]

Iraq Syria

MENASource

Jun 13, 2014

After Mosul?

By Ramzy Mardini

The United States pulled its remaining troops out from Iraq two and a half years ago, ending a military occupation that lasted almost a decade. The civil war in Syria has become the strategic driver shaping the security dynamics across the Levant, and has breathed new life into militancy in Iraq, rejuvenating the confidence, resources, […]

Iraq Syria

In the News

Jun 13, 2014

Itani: Maliki Partly to Blame for Escalating Iraq Crisis

By Faysal Itani

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani is quoted by Agence France-Presse on latest developments in the march towards Baghdad by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and potential US involvement in the growing crisis: 

Iraq
NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, June 3, 2014

NATOSource

Jun 12, 2014

NATO Secretary General Says Sees No Role for Alliance in Iraq

By Reuters

NATO Secretary-General Anders Fogh Rasmussen said on Thursday he saw no role for Western alliance in Iraq after Islamist militants seized swathes of territory in the country and took 80 Turkish citizens hostage.

Iraq NATO

In the News

Jun 12, 2014

Itani on the Crisis in Iraq

By Faysal Itani

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani joins WDEL’s Deleware News at Noon to discuss the ongoing crisis in Iraq: Listen to the interview here.

Iraq

MENASource

Jun 12, 2014

For ISIS, Iraq’s Spoils Could Tip Balance in Eastern Syria

By Karen Leigh

Photos depicting militants from the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) driving US-made armored vehicles across the Iraqi border into the Syrian province of Deir Ezzor could prove that the porous border between Iraq and Syria is now an open road for ISIS fighters hoping to establish a Sunni caliphate in the region.

Iraq Syria

In the News

Jun 12, 2014

Mardini on How Syrian Crisis Affects Iraq Instability

By Ramzy Mardini

CNN quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on how the success of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) has fed into its recent agression in Iraq:

Iraq Syria

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