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

Podcast

Jul 30, 2024

‘I was a Blackwater mercenary in Iraq’

By Alia Brahimi

Host Alia Brahimi is joined by former Blackwater contractor Morgan Lerette to reflect on Loretta's experience a private military contractor in Iraq.

Conflict Defense Industry

MENASource

Jul 24, 2024

Ten years on, Yezidi cases expose a lack of corporate accountability in US genocide law

By Charles Johnson

The Genocide Accountability Act remains poorly equipped to handle cases of genocide in general, let alone to prosecute corporations specifically.

Conflict Human Rights

MENASource

Jul 16, 2024

What’s behind the Middle East’s doomsday fever?

By Sarah Zaaimi

Doomsday sects should be understood as a social phenomenon in the context of a collectively traumatized society.

Arabic English

MENASource

Jul 11, 2024

Investing in Iraq’s education will contribute to its revival

By Honar Issa

Investing in Iraq’s education system offers a unique opportunity for the United States to not only support a key ally but also address the root causes of instability in the region.

Civil Society Conflict

MENASource

Jun 10, 2024

ISIS fell, but the conditions that created the terrorist group still exist in Iraq

By Abbas Kadhim

The pervasive culture of corruption and a poor economy have been among the leading conditions that contributed to the rise of ISIS in Iraq.

Corruption Democratic Transitions

In the News

May 30, 2024

Rich Outzen joined i24 News (Israel) for an interview on attacks from Iraq against northern Israel

Conflict Iraq

In the News

May 8, 2024

Samaan quoted in Newsweek on Iraqi army drone display

By Atlantic Council

China Defense Technologies

TURKEYSource

May 2, 2024

A fair wind over Mesopotamia, or just hot air?

By Rich Outzen

The first trip to Iraq in a decade by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan could lead to significant cooperation for the stability of the region.

Iraq Middle East

In the News

Apr 30, 2024

Bakir mentioned in The Stock Dork on a potential Turkish offensive into Iraq

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Iraq

MENASource

Apr 18, 2024

The KDP is boycotting the upcoming elections. Iraqi Kurdistan may get stuck in an electoral impasse.

By Sarkawt Shamsulddin

As the June election deadline looms, the future of Kurdistan’s political stability hangs in the balance.

Elections Iraq

Experts