To move beyond the years-long focus on Iran and the Islamic State, both leaders must commit to actions that set the table for a mutually beneficial relationship and convince skeptical domestic constituencies. When Mohammed Shia al-Sudani makes his first visit to Washington as Iraq’s prime minister on April 15, the stakes will be high for him and President Biden alike. Sudani
Read MoreIraqi Prime Minister Sudani's White House visit will discuss US forces in Iraq, sanctions, and bilateral relations. Amid pro-Iranian pressures, the visit seeks to balance diplomatic and economic interests with the US, highlighting the complex US-Iraq dynamics and regional geopolitical implications. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohamed Shia Sudani will lead a prominent delegation to
Read MoreIraqi Kurdistan was once seen as a beacon of promise in the troubled country, but things have changed in recent years. Corruption and a disregard for rule of law are worrying for prospective international investors who are now avoiding Kurdistan, writes Dr. Joel Ruet. Iraq’s semi–autonomous Kurdistan Region, which was once seen as a beacon of prosperity and promise in the tr
Read MoreSUMMARY Iraq’s Development Road project aims to create an Iraqi transborder transportation network connecting the Persian Gulf with Türkiye. This network would enhance Iraq’s geopolitical status as a trade corridor and provide financial returns, reducing the state’s reliance on hydrocarbons. However, the project faces obstacles, including challenges of financing and implemen
Read MoreOver the past 15 years, China has executed a strategy in Iraq that has been incredibly effective. Although the two countries recently commemorated their 65th anniversary of friendship, arguably this relationship really began in earnest in 2007 when the two countries’ presidents met and China agreed to cancel Iraq’s debt. China’s debt relief served as a prelude to its eventual e
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