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Iraq

Policy Analysis on Iraq

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Articles & Testimony
Iran’s Expanding Militia Army in Iraq: The New Special Groups
Tehran-backed militias must be monitored more closely on a host of destabilizing activities, though policymakers should be careful not to lump them in with the many PMF factions that don't support Iran.
Aug 9, 2019
◆
  • Michael Knights
Brief Analysis
Sanctions on Iraqi Political Figures: Shaping the Impact and Message
The United States is now designating politicians who place personal or Iranian interests above the needs of the Iraqi people, but these efforts could go awry if locals don’t understand the justification or consequences.
Jul 19, 2019
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  • Michael Knights
Brief Analysis
The Erbil Shooting: Implications for U.S.-Turkish Policy
If the PKK is confirmed as the perpetrator, Ankara will almost surely launch retaliation in Iraq or Syria, and Washington will have little choice but to stand aside.
Jul 18, 2019
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  • Soner Cagaptay
Brief Analysis
Iraqi Kurdistan’s New Government
After months of delay, the new cabinet must get up to speed quickly in order to put KRG-federal relations on solid legal ground, curtail Iranian influence, and unify the Peshmerga.
Jul 11, 2019
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  • Bilal Wahab
Articles & Testimony
Normalizing Security in the Nineveh Plains
The coming weeks will show whether real changes have occurred, or whether the Iraqi government is instead trying to save face by claiming success.
Jul 9, 2019
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  • Michael Knights
Articles & Testimony
Popular Mobilization Force Reform in Iraq: Reintegration or Consolidation of Militia Power?
Recent decisions by the Iraqi PM to curtail militia influence may just swap one threat for another.
Jul 8, 2019
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  • Michael Knights
Brief Analysis
Past U.S.-Iran Confrontations Hold Lessons for Current Crisis
Despite its measured approach thus far, Tehran may come to view the latest showdown as an existential conflict with an irresolute adversary, warranting greater risk-taking on its part.
Jun 27, 2019
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  • Michael Eisenstadt
Brief Analysis
Iran-Backed Militias Test the Credibility of Iraq’s Prime Minister
Rockets continue to fall on American facilities, part of a deliberate effort to keep Baghdad from making Iraq a neutral crossroads in the region.
Jun 19, 2019
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  • Michael Knights
Brief Analysis
Reshuffling Iraqi Generals: Who Benefits?
Three top commanders have been replaced in northern areas where Iran-backed militias are trying to outmuscle the regular security forces. Washington should find out why.
Jun 6, 2019
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  • Michael Knights
  • Alex Almeida
Brief Analysis
Iraqi Kurdistan Chooses a New President, But Internal Rifts Deepen
The latest step toward ending the KRG’s political gridlock obscures more-worrisome Kurdish divisions, many of which threaten wider U.S.-Iraqi security and economic interests.
May 30, 2019
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  • Bilal Wahab
Brief Analysis
Responding to Iranian Harassment of U.S. Facilities in Iraq
Tehran has reportedly told its militia proxies to be ready for escalation, so Washington must prepare to maintain a full presence in Iraq even under potentially increased fire.
May 21, 2019
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  • Michael Knights
Maps & Graphics
The Shia Militia Mapping Project
Explore a comprehensive interactive map of Shia militias across the Middle East, charting their location, movements, ties to Iran, and involvements in conflicts in Iraq and Syria.
May 20, 2019
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  • Phillip Smyth
Brief Analysis
If Iran Deploys Missiles in Iraq: U.S.-Israeli Response Options
If Iran duplicates its formula from Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen by sending long-range missiles to Iraq, then future conflicts with Israel would likely include military action on Iraqi soil.
May 13, 2019
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  • Michael Knights
  • Assaf Orion
Brief Analysis
Iraq-Turkey Pipeline Arbitration: Avoiding a Policy Train Wreck
Baghdad is suing Ankara for giving the Kurds independent pipeline access, but the biggest loser may be Washington’s pressure campaign on Iran.
May 8, 2019
◆
  • Michael Knights
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
Making Sense of Iraq's PMF Arrests
By highlighting the hypocrisy of recent ‘housecleaning’ campaigns, Washington can show the Iraqi public that Iran’s Shia militia networks offer no genuine solution to rampant corruption.
Apr 26, 2019
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  • Phillip Smyth
Brief Analysis
Renewing the Iran Sanctions Waivers (Part 2): Energy and Afghan Trade
Washington should phase out the oil waivers carefully and prevent Chabahar port from becoming an escape valve for Iran.
Apr 22, 2019
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  • Patrick Clawson
Articles & Testimony
Does Designation of the Revolutionary Guards Make a Difference?
The handful of new tools in question could expose Iraqi officials to sanctions and criminal liability given Baghdad's energy dependency on Iran.
Apr 18, 2019
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  • Matthew Levitt
Articles & Testimony
Don't Pull Back from the Middle East
Safeguarding America’s widely agreed interests in the Middle East requires a substantial presence, as does the region’s tendency to export insecurity.
Apr 16, 2019
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  • Robert Satloff
Brief Analysis
A U.S.-Iraq Security Partnership: Avoiding the Pitfalls Just Ahead
Nationalist sentiment and Iranian pressure have led some Iraqi legislators to oppose a continued U.S. military presence, but Washington could make things much worse if it overreacts.
Mar 13, 2019
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  • Barbara A. Leaf
  • Bilal Wahab
Brief Analysis
Repatriating Western Jihadists: The Impact of U.S. Syria Policy
Unless Washington changes its mixed message on foreign fighters and helps its European allies find practical solutions, it may soon face another mass outbreak of seasoned operatives from Syria.
Feb 27, 2019
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  • Matthew Levitt
  • Aaron Y. Zelin

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The Washington Institute's Linda and Tony Rubin Program on Arab Politics focuses on social, political, and economic developments in the Arab world, with an emphasis on the Arab countries of the Levant.

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Featured experts

Michael Eisenstadt
Michael Eisenstadt
Michael Eisenstadt is the Kahn Senior Fellow and director of The Washington Institute's Military and Security Studies Program.
Michael Knights
Michael Knights
Michael Knights is the Jill and Jay Bernstein Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute and cofounder of the Militia Spotlight platform, which offers in-depth analysis of developments related to Iran-backed militias.
Bilal Wahab
Bilal Wahab
Bilal Wahab was the Nathan and Esther K. Wagner Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute.
Elizabeth Dent - source: The Washington Institute
Elizabeth Dent
Elizabeth Dent is a Senior Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, where she focuses on U.S. foreign and defense policy toward the Gulf states, Iraq, and Syria.
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