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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.

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Middle East Programs

Working with our allies and partners in Europe and the wider Middle East to protect US interests, build peace and security, and unlock the human potential of the region.

Content

Dispatches

Jul 13, 2026

على رئيس وزراء العراق أن يقنع واشنطن المتشككة بجدوى الشراكة مع بغداد

By Victoria J. Taylor 

Ali al-Zaidi faces an administration that is prepared to walk away from the relationship if it is not satisfied that it delivers for the US.

Arabic Geopolitics & Energy Security

Dispatches

Jul 11, 2026

Iraq’s new prime minister must sell Iraq to a skeptical Washington

By Victoria J. Taylor 

Ali al-Zaidi faces an administration that is prepared to walk away from the relationship if it is not satisfied that it delivers for the US.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

Dispatches

Jun 17, 2026

What the US-Iran deal means for the rest of the Middle East (and beyond)

By Atlantic Council experts

Atlantic Council experts look at the ways the memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran will affect other countries.

Conflict Economy & Business

MENASource

Jun 4, 2026

تفتت الفصائل المسلحة العراقية بعد تحول النظام الإيراني من الثيوقراطية الى الجنتوقراطية

By Munqith Dagher

كيف يؤثر تغيير القيادة في ايران على الميليشيات العراقية؟ د. منقذ داغر يبدو اننا بتنا ، بعد 28 فبراير 2026 ،امام نظام مختلف وظيفياً، بل وحتى هيكلياً عما عرفناه طوال السنوات السبعة وأربعين من عمر النظام الايراني. فقد اتسم نظام الحكم في ايران بنسخته الخمينية الأولى 1979-1989  بأحادية قطبية لا مكان فيها سوى للمرشد الأعلى(الخميني). […]

Arabic Conflict

MENASource

Jun 4, 2026

Iraq’s militias are fracturing as Iran turns from theocracy to juntocracy

By Munqith Dagher

Iraq’s militias face a spiritual and organizational dilemma that gravely endangers their existence, in the wake of Iran's leadership change.

Conflict Iran

Dispatches

Apr 30, 2026

Can Iraq’s new prime minister fix his country’s broken politics?

By Victoria J. Taylor , Safwan Al-Amin

Ali al-Zaidi must contend with a growing crisis of legitimacy in the very system that brought him to power and the backing of a coalition that is increasingly unstable.

Elections Iraq

MENASource

Apr 7, 2026

Iraq’s oil export vulnerability exposes the cost of unresolved disputes

By Yesar Al-Maleki

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz shows how Iraq’s energy security depends as much on political coordination as on infrastructure.

Geopolitics & Energy Security Infrastructure

Dispatches

Apr 2, 2026

الفصائل المدعومة من إيران تُدمِّر العراق—يجب على بغداد مواجهتها

By فيكتوريا تايلور

واشنطن — انفجر منزل يوم 13 مارس في حي الكرادة ببغداد، وانتشرت مقاطع مصورة للمشهد الملتهب على نطاق واسع عبر منصات التواصل الاجتماعي. يبدو أن الضربة — التي نفّذتها الولايات المتحدة على الأرجح، وإن لم تُقرّ بها علنًا حتى الآن — كانت تستهدف أبو حسين الحامداوي، زعيم كتائب حزب الله، وهو فصيل مسلح بارز مدعوم من إيران في العراق. وتشير […]

Arabic Conflict

Dispatches

Apr 2, 2026

Iran-backed militias are destroying Iraq. Baghdad must take them on.

By Victoria J. Taylor 

Iraq cannot continue like this, with drones and rockets menacing the country, and militias assassinating and kidnapping activists and journalists.

Conflict Iran

Dispatches

Mar 25, 2026

From drones to rocket fuel, China and Russia are helping Iran through supply chains

By Kimberly Donovan and Emily Ezratty

The US will need to confront China and Russia about their support for the Iranian regime and their schemes to evade sanctions and export controls.

China Conflict

Experts

Events