Ideas
Intimidation, Cronyism, Repression: The Unfortunate Legacy of Iraq's Nouri al-Maliki
Maliki’s personal history shaped his winner-take-all view of Iraqi politics. Years of bloody civil war followed immediately by the Arab Spring have only made matters worse. By Mohamad Bazzi
Threats
This Is Why Many of Iraq's Forces Dropped Their Weapons
Inside the rapid disintegration of a security force the U.S. spent more than $25 billion to build. By James Kitfield
Ideas
The Difficult and Probably Only Answer to Iraq and Syria's Problems
Former State and Defense Department official Leslie Gelb sees a way to counter the ISIL wedge that's prying Iraq and the region apart at its seams. It's not easy, but it just might be the most realistic way forward. Interview by Bernard Gwertzman
Threats
Chaos in Iraq's Oil Fields Is Shifting the World's Attention Back to Saudi Arabia
Gains made by marauding extremists in Iraq's north are already shaking up the global energy market. Here's what it could mean for Saudi Arabia's importance to the world. By Steve LeVine
Science & Tech
The Government Probably Has More Photos of You Than of ISIL's Leader
The U.S. government probably has more biometric information on you than one of the most infamous terrorist masterminds alive. By Patrick Tucker
Threats
Obama Outlines Limited Military Help for Iraq
President Obama is sending more U.S. troops to Iraq to fight back ISIL – but that’s just a Band-Aid to the country’s larger problems. By Molly O’Toole and Stephanie Gaskell
Ideas
What Bosnia Can Tell Us About Iraq
Like in the Balkans, the U.S. should get Iraq’s warring sides to the table at all costs. By Nick Dowling
Threats
Can Iraq Survive the ISIL?
Go inside the conflict in this interview with the Brookings Institution Doha Center's F. Gregory Gause III. Interview by Mohammed Aly Sergie.
Policy
Obama's Watch-and-Wait Iraq Approach Is Working With Congressional Leaders
The president said he won't need Senate and House authority to act on the Iraq crisis, a pill that's easier for Congressional leaders to swallow provided Obama keeps them informed along the way. By Elahe Izadi
Policy
There’s Little the U.S. Could Have Done for Iraq, Hagel and Dempsey Say
Despite pleas for action, military leaders say more intelligence is needed for the president to intervene in Iraq. By Kevin Baron and Molly O’Toole
Policy
Iraq War Veterans In Congress Mostly Urge Caution
Congress’s 17 Iraq veterans fought together, but they’re divided on another military intervention as Iraq’s security deteriorates. By Molly O’Toole
Ideas
The Moral Argument for American Restraint in Iraq -- and Beyond
A new book by MIT professor Barry Posen calls for a radical rethinking of U.S. foreign policy. By Noah Berlatsky
Threats
Iraq Isn’t Ours To Save
The government in Baghdad is not an American friend, and action against ISIS will not advance U.S. interests. By David Frum
Threats
Iraqi Forces Can Hold Baghdad, Pentagon Says
With ISIS members inching towards Baghdad, Pentagon officials say they believe the Iraqi forces can hold the nation’s capital. By Stephanie Gaskell
Threats
How Baghdad Might Fall: Plain Old Bribery
A much-underestimated driver in war is cold, hard cash – and ISIS has plenty of it. By Steve LeVine
Science & Tech
How ISIS Games Twitter
The militant group that conquered northern Iraq is deploying a sophisticated social-media strategy. By J.M. Berger
Threats
How Fighting in Iraq Is Helping the Kurds -- and Oil Companies
The current offensive in Iraq may be the tipping point for Kurdistan and the disputed, oil-rich province of Kirkuk. By Steve LeVine
Science & Tech
The Pros and Cons of U.S. Drone Strikes in Iraq
The easiest option against ISIS politically might also be the least effective. By Patrick Tucker
Threats
A Guide to ISIS, the Group That's Tearing Up Iraq
ISIS began its life as Al Qaeda in Iraq after the U.S. invasion, but have morphed into an extremely dangerous force. By Zachary Laub and Jonathan Masters
Threats