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

MENASource

Jun 19, 2014

Seven Important Questions on Iraq

By MENASource

Bilal Y. Saab, senior fellow for Middle East Security with the Atlantic Council’s Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security, provides his perspective on the US role in the Iraq crisis, what’s at stake for US national security interests, and what it will really take to stabilize the situation.

Iraq

MENASource

Jun 19, 2014

Syria and Iraq: The “Skyes-Picot” Issue

By Frederic C. Hof

The violent convulsions gripping Syria and Iraq have given rise to the argument that the “Sykes-Picot” boundaries imposed by France and Britain in the Levant and Mesopotamia after the First World War will have to be redrawn to recognize and reconcile ethnic and sectarian divisions papered over by the Great War’s victorious allies.  As someone […]

Iraq Syria

In the News

Jun 19, 2014

Slavin on the Crisis in Iraq

By Barbara Slavin

The Washington Post cites South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin on the ongoing crisis in Iraq:

Iraq

In the News

Jun 19, 2014

LeBaron: Maliki Not Likely to Go Down Without a Fight

By Richard LeBaron

The National quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Richard LeBaron on President Obama’s decision to send 300 advisers to Iraq:

Iraq

In the News

Jun 19, 2014

Mardini on Nouri al-Maliki’s Leadership

By Ramzy Mardini

The Wall Street Journal quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on President Obama’s decision to send 300 advisers to Iraq to help resolve the conflict there:

Iraq

In the News

Jun 19, 2014

Mardini: Washington Can’t Oust Maliki Without Tehran’s Consent

By Ramzy Mardini

The Los Angeles Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on US attitudes toward the leadership of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki:

Iran Iraq

In the News

Jun 18, 2014

Mardini: Iranians Care About Shia Unity, Not Maliki

By Ramzy Mardini

The Financial Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki’s struggle to retain power as the insurgency in his country spreads:

Iran Iraq

Article

Jun 18, 2014

Column: Obama has Ample Authority to Relieve Iran Sanctions

By Barbara Slavin

WASHINGTON — As negotiations with Iran enter the home stretch this week in Vienna, the ability of the U.S. government to relieve economic sanctions on Iran is likely to emerge as a major factor in determining whether Tehran will accept significant restrictions on its nuclear program.

Iraq

New Atlanticist

Jun 18, 2014

Iraq: The Hard Questions

By Bilal Y. Saab

Bilal Y. Saab, senior fellow for Middle East Security with the Atlantic Council’s Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security, provides his perspective on the US role in the Iraq crisis, what’s at stake for US national security interests, and what it will really take to stabilize the situation.

Iraq

In the News

Jun 18, 2014

Itani on US Options in Iraq

By Faysal Itani

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani joins CNBC’s Squawk Box Asia to discuss the ongoing crisis in Iraq: 

Iraq

Experts

Events