Skip to main content

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Main navigation

Analysis
Experts
About
Support
Maps & Multimedia

Trending:

Military and Security
Terrorism
U.S. Policy

North Africa
Gulf States
Iran

Regions & Countries

Egypt
Iraq
Iran
Gulf States
Israel
Palestinians
Lebanon
North Africa
Turkey
Jordan
Syria
Middle East

Issues

Arab and Islamic Politics
Democracy and Reform
Military and Security
U.S. Policy
Gulf and Energy Policy
Energy and Economics
Proliferation
Terrorism
Arab-Israeli Relations
Peace Process

TWI Arabic: اللغة العربية TWI Persian: فارسی Fikra Forum

Search Policy Analysis

Breadcrumb

Policy Analysis

Iraq

Policy Analysis on Iraq

Filter by:

Keyword

Issue

Type

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.

Soner Cagaptay

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.

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.

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.

Michael Knights

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.

Michael Eisenstadt

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.

Michael Knights

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.

Michael Knights
Alex Almeida

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.

Bilal Wahab

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.

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.

Phillip Smyth

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.

Michael Knights
Assaf Orion

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.

Michael Knights

Maps & Graphics

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.

Phillip Smyth

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.

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.

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.

Robert Satloff

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.

Barbara A. Leaf
Bilal Wahab

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.

Matthew Levitt
Aaron Y. Zelin

Options for a Lighter U.S. Footprint in Syria

There are alternatives to the overt presence of U.S. controllers on the ground, and allies can help maintain the tempo of strikes in various ways.

August Pfluger
Michael Knights

Maps & Graphics

International Engagement in Iraq Is Tied to Military Presence

The U.S.-led coalition to defeat the Islamic State is the strongest alliance Iraq has ever enjoyed, but much of the resultant international attention and support could dissipate if forces are removed.

Michael Knights

Pagination

Previous page
First page
…
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Current page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
…
Last page
Next page

Sign Up for Updates on Iraq

Never miss a breaking event on U.S. policy interests in the Middle East. Customize your subscription to our expert analysis, op-eds, live events, podcasts, and special reports.

1111 19th Street NW - Suite 500
Washington D.C. 20036
Tel: 202-452-0650
Fax: 202-223-5364

Footer contact links

Contact
Press Room

The Washington Institute seeks to advance a balanced and realistic understanding of American interests in the Middle East and to promote the policies that secure them.

The Institute is a 501(c)3 organization; all donations are tax-deductible.

Footer quick links

About TWI
Support the Institute

Social media

The Washington Institute on Facebook
The Washington Institute on Twitter
The Washington Institute on YouTube
The Washington Institute on Soundcloud

© 2021 All rights reserved.

Footer

Employment
Privacy Policy
Rights & Permissions