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Iraq

Policy Analysis on Iraq

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Brief Analysis
Iran Flexes Its Muscles After the Kurdish Referendum
Given its recent military movements and high-level contacts with Turkey and Baghdad, Iran may be looking to exact an intolerable cost on the KRG.
Oct 10, 2017
◆
  • Farzin Nadimi
Articles & Testimony
The Future of Chechens in ISIS
Factors such as corruption, socioeconomic inequity, and ignorance among Russian officials regarding Islam could end up fueling radicalism rather than deterring it.
Oct 9, 2017
◆
  • Anna Borshchevskaya
Brief Analysis
Are Shia Dynamics in Iraq and Lebanon Turning Against Iran?
If Iraqi Shia reject Tehran's call for a unified bloc in next year's elections, it could have welcome implications for the future of Iranian influence in Baghdad -- and Beirut.
Oct 5, 2017
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  • Hanin Ghaddar
Why Israel Is Cheering On Iraqi Kurds' Push for Independence
A discussion on how the relationship has evolved to the point where Israel was the only regional government encouraging rather than decrying the KRG referendum.
Oct 4, 2017
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  • Bilal Wahab
Articles & Testimony
How to Contain and Roll Back Iranian-Backed Militias
A six-step plan that can help U.S. officials actively counter Tehran's efforts to deploy its inexpensive proxy forces throughout the Middle East.
Oct 4, 2017
◆
  • Michael Knights
Video
Brief Analysis
After the Kurdish Referendum: Regional Implications
Watch experts discuss the potential fallout from the September 25 independence vote in Iraqi Kurdistan.
Oct 3, 2017
◆
  • Michael Knights
  • David Pollock
  • Bilal Wahab
Brief Analysis
The Urgent U.S. Role in Post-Referendum Kurdistan
The Iraqi Kurds have angered their neighbors, but imminent punitive measures could quickly strengthen Iran and disrupt the campaign against the Islamic State.
Sep 29, 2017
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  • Michael Knights
Articles & Testimony
Tehran Seeks to Consolidate Power in Iraq in 2018
Iran wants its local allies to create a Shia political bloc or Hezbollah-like arrangement next door, but Washington can curb such ambitions so long as it does not repeat its vanishing trick of 2011.
Sep 24, 2017
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  • Michael Knights
Brief Analysis
Iran's Military Options Against Kurdish Independence
Tehran has several means of putting military and economic pressure on the Iraqi Kurds following the independence referendum, but taking action on its recent warnings could widen Kurdish discontent at home.
Sep 22, 2017
◆
  • Farzin Nadimi
Brief Analysis
Is the Kurdish Referendum 'Mission Accomplished' for Barzani?
International pressure has raised the stakes of the planned referendum, but the Kurds have made their case even if the vote is canceled.
Sep 22, 2017
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  • Bilal Wahab
Brief Analysis
The United States Needs a Middle East Strategy
Without a defined strategy, events will determine policy.
Sep 19, 2017
◆
  • James Jeffrey
  • Dennis Ross
The Outlook for Energy in the Middle East
Ambassador James Jeffrey joined the Columbia Energy Exchange podcast for a conversation on how the Middle East's political situation is affecting energy markets. Among the many topics of discussion were the political situation in Iraq and the outlook for future oil production; the future of the Iran nuclear deal and
Sep 18, 2017
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  • James Jeffrey
Articles & Testimony
Why Iraqi Security Forces Are Promoting the Arts
Cultural initiatives serve key defense goals, but Baghdad should steer clear of programs that turn the arts into a mouthpiece of the state or a divisive sectarian tool.
Sep 18, 2017
◆
  • Kendall Bianchi
Articles & Testimony
What Is at Stake in Iraqi Kurdish Vote for Independence?
Despite all the diplomatic posturing and domestic politicking, the day after the referendum may look very much like the day before.
Sep 18, 2017
◆
  • Michael Knights
Maps & Graphics
In-Depth Reports
Middle East Maritime Security:
The Growing Role of Regional and Extraregional Navies
A comprehensive accounting of naval-basing developments in the Middle East and North Africa, including recommended steps for advancing U.S. regional interests
Sep 14, 2017
◆
  • Theodore Karasik
  • Jeremy Vaughan
Articles & Testimony
Shutting the Door to the Islamic State
As foreign terrorist fighters return home, Western officials must prioritize international information-sharing and cooperation at critical border crossings.
Sep 9, 2017
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  • Matthew Levitt
Brief Analysis
How to Untie the Syrian Kurdish Knot with Turkey
To preserve its relations with both Ankara and Rojava, Washington may need to push for military action against the PKK leadership in northern Iraq.
Sep 7, 2017
◆
  • Soner Cagaptay
Brief Analysis
The al-Abbas Combat Division Model:
Reducing Iranian Influence in Iraq's Security Forces
One large faction of Shia volunteers demonstrates how the PMUs can function under Iraqi -- not Iranian -- control, offering a model that coalition forces should support.
Aug 22, 2017
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  • Michael Knights
  • Hamdi Malik
Maps & Graphics
Brief Analysis
The Race for Deir al-Zour Province
The SDF and U.S.-supported Arab fighters likely lack the might and unity to overcome Assad-regime advances and other obstacles.
Aug 17, 2017
◆
  • Fabrice Balanche
Articles & Testimony
Predicting the Shape of Iraq's Next Sunni Insurgencies
Analysts tracking the insurgent landscape in Iraq can draw many lessons from 2010-14, the period during which the Islamic State recovered its potency.
Aug 16, 2017
◆
  • Michael Knights

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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 the Nathan and Esther K. Wagner 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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