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 18, 2014

Mardini on Iran-Iraq Relationship

By Ramzy Mardini

Agence France-Presse quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on Iran’s relationship with Iraq and what role Iran is likely to play in the ongoing crisis:

Iran Iraq

In the News

Jun 18, 2014

Mardini on Iran’s Role in Iraq Crisis

By Ramzy Mardini

Bloomberg quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on Iran’s role in the ongoing crisis in Iraq:

Iran Iraq

In the News

Jun 18, 2014

Wilson on US-Iran Engagement in Iraq

By Damon Wilson

Atlantic Council Executive Vice President Damon Wilson joins BBC World News to discuss the escalating crisis in Iraq and the White House announcement that it has ruled out military cooperation with Iran:

Iran Iraq

In the News

Jun 17, 2014

Itani on the Ongoing Crisis in Iraq

By Faysal Itani

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani joins Sirius XM’s Politics Powered by Twitter to discuss the ongoing crisis in Iraq:

Iraq

News

Jun 17, 2014

Mardini on Iraq Crisis

By Ramzy Mardini

Slovak daily newspaper Pravda quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on the ongoing crisis in Iraq:

Iraq

MENASource

Jun 17, 2014

ISIS Terrorists: Should Tehran and Washington Cooperate?

By Frederic C. Hof

Military success in Iraq by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has concentrated the minds of political leaders in Washington and Tehran.  Neither the United States nor Iran wishes to see ISIS or any Al-Qaeda franchise prosper or even exist in Iraq.  Neither Washington nor Tehran wishes to see Iraq splinter into multiple […]

Iran Iraq

In the News

Jun 17, 2014

Menon: Why America Can’t Save a Divided Iraq

By Rajan Menon

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Rajan Menon writes for the National Interest on why US assistance will not be able to save Iraq which is now divided into three parts:

Iraq

In the News

Jun 17, 2014

Slavin on How Iraq Affects US-Iran Relationship

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin joins PRI’s The World to discuss what the crisis in Iraq means for the US-Iran relationship:

Iran Iraq

In the News

Jun 16, 2014

Itani: To Save Iraq, Look to Syria

By Faysal Itani

Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani writes for US News and World Report on why supporting Syria’s moderate opposition will undermine militants from the Islamic State of Syria and the Levant:

Iraq Syria

In the News

Jun 16, 2014

Saab: Blame These Countries for Iraq’s Current Crisis

By Bilal Y. Saab

Brent Scowcroft Center Resident Senior Fellow for Middle East Security Bilal Y. Saab writes for the New Republic on why Iran and Saudi Arabia are responsible for the deteriorating situation in Iraq: 

Iran Iraq

Experts

Events