Iraq 2021-2022: A Forecast
The United States cannot stabilize—or safely deprioritize—the Middle East without first stabilizing Iraq.
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Iraq research
Iraq is Fragile, Not Hopeless: How Iraq’s Fragility Undermines Regional Stability
The stabilization of the Iraqi state remains strategically important to the United States and worthy of a concerted US policy effort.
Iraq Control of Terrain Map: February 9, 2016
Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Sunni Arab tribal fighters backed by Coalition air support recaptured central Ramadi on January 9, the completion of a six-month operation. Iraqi Security Forces entered the city center on December 22.
The Pitfalls of Relying on Kurdish Forces to Counter ISIS
American over-reliance on Kurdish forces as the primary ground partner in the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) threatens the long-term success of the anti-ISIS campaign.
Ramadi Control Map: December 28, 2015
The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) reportedly recaptured the government complex in central Ramadi on December 28 after clearing ISIS-held areas south of the complex on December 26 and 27.
Winning Battles, Losing Wars
Lt. Gen. James M. Dubik
Col. Harry G. Summers Jr. begins his book, On Strategy: The Vietnam War in Context, by relaying the following conversation: “‘You know you never defeated us on the battlefield,’ said the American colonel.
US continue air strikes on Islamic State targets in Kobani
ISW Senior Naval Analyst Christopher Harmer, discuss and analyzes an ISIS video posted online showing grenades, which it is claiming were dropped by US forces.
Will ISIS Take Baghdad?
ISW's Research Director Jessica Lewis talks with Mary Kissel on why air strikes aren’t stopping the advance of Islamic State terrorists.
Opinion: U.S. strategy against Islamic State is too much air, not enough boots
After 50 days of obvious failure, it's time to consider an approach that might work: Get American special forces on the ground with the Sunni Arabs themselves.
Is ISIS able to bring down American planes?
ISW's General James M. Dubik joins State of the Union to discuss whether ISIS has the ability to bring down American planes with anti-aircraft missiles.