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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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

In the News

Jun 11, 2014

Itani: Iraqi Insurgents “Know What [They’re] Doing”

By Faysal Itani

Al Jazeera America quotes Rafik Hariri Center Resident Fellow Faysal Itani on recent insurgent gains in several key Iraqi cities:

Iraq
"All institutions of Turkey are on alert"

NATOSource

Jun 11, 2014

Turkey is ‘On Alert’ After Al Qaeda Affiliate Seizes Turkish Hostages in Iraq

By Hurriyet Daily News

The state of Turkey was “on alert” late June 11 after 80 Turkish citizens, including Consul General Öztürk Yılmaz, have been taken hostage by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)

Iraq NATO

In the News

Jun 11, 2014

Mardini on Current Chaos in Iraq

By Ramzy Mardini

The Los Angeles Times quotes Rafik Hariri Center Nonresident Fellow Ramzy Mardini on gains made by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) in Iraq: 

Iraq
Meeting of NATO defense ministers, June 3, 2014

NATOSource

Jun 11, 2014

Turkey Calls for Emergency NATO Meeting on Security Situation in Iraq

By Reuters and Telegraph

From Reuters:  NATO ambassadors held an emergency meeting on Wednesday evening at Turkey’s request to discuss the situation in Iraq, where militants took 80 Turkish citizens hostage,a NATO official said.

Iraq NATO

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