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.

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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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In the News

Jun 16, 2014

Hof: Shelf Life of ISIS in Syria Has Expired

By Frederic C. Hof

Christian Science Monitor quotes Rafik Hariri Center Senior Fellow Frederic Hof on how military gains in Iraq by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant affect the calculus of the regime in Syria:

Iraq Syria

In the News

Jun 16, 2014

Slavin on US Cooperation with Iran in Iraq

By Barbara Slavin

South Asia Center Nonresident Senior Fellow Barbara Slavin writes for Al Jazeera America on why US-Iran tacit cooperation over the situation in Iraq would be beneficial to the nuclear negotiatons process: 

Iran Iraq

In the News

Jun 15, 2014

Mardini: US Military Can’t Fix Iraq

By Ramzy Mardini

Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini writes for the New York Times‘s Room for Debate on why the United States military will be unable to fix the current crisis in Iraq:

Iraq

In the News

Jun 14, 2014

Itani: US Priority in Iraq is to Stabilize Security Situation

By Faysal Itani

The National quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on what choices the United States faces concerning the deteriorating situation in Iraq: 

Iraq

Defense Industrialist

Jun 13, 2014

Gunships against ISIS

By James Hasik

The AC-130 isn’t a functional replacement for the A-10C, but could it be a political one? This past Monday, Lt. Col. Paul Darling of the Alaska Army National Guard wrote an editorial in Defense News arguing—and as an infantry officer—that the USAF’s A-10C should indeed be retired. The savings, he said, should be reinvested in two programs: a replacement […]

Iraq Ukraine

New Atlanticist

Jun 13, 2014

A Strategy for Syria & Iraq

By Barry Pavel

The spread of the Syria crisis to engulf Iraq was predicted and predictable.  Some have called the Syria conflict a “factory for extremism.”  For years, many have been urging more robust US leadership and action in this crisis – not “boots on the ground” but using US military forces in a coalition with our allies and partners to […]

Iraq Syria

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

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