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

MENASource

Apr 17, 2025

Trump must clarify his Iraq policy. Washington’s Middle East investment hangs in the balance.

By Sarkawt Shamsulddin

Contradictory signals from the US president on Iraq's Iran-connected Popular Mobilization Forces risks derailing hard-won progress.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Apr 8, 2025

Legalizing child marriage in Iraq: Stepping back from the brink

By Sareta Ashraph

While there have been some elements of relief that the Iraq parliament has pulled back from legalizing child marriage, the situation remains dynamic.

Iraq Middle East

MENASource

Apr 3, 2025

Washington halted the Iraq-Iran electricity waiver. Here is how it’s perceived by Washington and Baghdad. 

By Ahmed Tabaqchali, C. Anthony Pfaff

By making Iranian energy more costly, the United States hopes to incentivize Iraq to diversify its energy sources and reduce its dependency on Iran.

Energy Markets & Governance Iraq

MENASource

Mar 19, 2025

Why the United States must bridge the Iraq-Syria divide

By Sarkawt Shamsulddin

With leverage over both capitals, the United States emerges as the linchpin in delicate diplomatic moment between Baghdad and Damascus.

English Iraq

In the News

Mar 18, 2025

Tabaqchali in London School of Economics: the empire strikes back: Trump 2.0 and Iraq’s dollar accounts at the federal reserve

By Atlantic Council

Economic Sanctions Economy & Business

In the News

Mar 18, 2025

Bakir joins Strait Talk to discuss the PKK’s agreement to a ceasefire

By Atlantic Council

Iraq Middle East

In the News

Mar 18, 2025

Zais quoted in Rudaw on Iraq’s oil pipeline

By Atlantic Council

Energy & Environment Iran

New Atlanticist

Feb 27, 2025

Is this the end of the PKK and its conflict with Turkey?

By Defne Arslan, Rich Outzen

Imprisoned PKK leader Abdullah Öcalan issued a call for the militant group to lay down its arms after four decades of conflict with the Turkish state.

Conflict Crisis Management

In the News

Feb 25, 2025

Alkhatib interviewed in ABC News on Trump’s proposal to take over Gaza

By Atlantic Council

Conflict Crisis Management

Issue Brief

Feb 24, 2025

From Tunis to Baghdad: Can platform-based politics take root?

By Carrie Schenkel and James Storen

This paper is the fifth in the Freedom and Prosperity Center's "State of the Parties" series analyzing the strength of multi-party systems in different regions of the world.

Civil Society Corruption

Experts