Director, Iraq Initiative @ Atlantic Council | Former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Iraq/ Iran @ StateDept | National Security Leader on Middle East and Europe
Washington, DC
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Today I am seeing a slew of retirement announcements from some of the most senior and experienced senior foreign service officers. This is just the latest in a wave of retirements and resignations over the past year and a half.
On the one hand, the Trump team operates with a small group of key advisors, which makes the bureaucracy less crucial to US foreign policy. But on the other, we’ve seen clear examples of how having a more rigorous and deliberative policy process could have contributed to better policies and better implementation of those policies (Iran War, Iran negotiations, slow evacuation effort.)
Diplomacy is an art not a science. You become a better diplomat through experience and apprenticeship. I had the great fortune to learn from some of the best US diplomats we have had, watching them have difficult conversations with senior foreign officials, craft US policy, and draft brilliant cables with their analysis. The State Department will be weaker without these senior leaders and the next generation will suffer from their absence.
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Closing out a big week in New York City for the Atlantic Council's Iraq Initiative and Syria Project. Moderated a fireside chat with @USAMBTurkiye, hosted Syrian President @AH_AlSharaa for a standing room only public event, and jointed @USChamber to host Iraqi Prime Minister @AliFalihAlzaidy for a private sector roundtable. Our goal is to facilitate debate on the issues that matter and this week we did that.
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Iraqi decision to ban Iranian flights is a huge step and unsurprisingly one that is being criticized by the Iranians and also some Iraqi Shia politicians.
More Iranian reactions to Iraq banning Iranian flights:
Advisor to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran on International Affairs: @Drvelayati_ir claims the US want to divide the 'unity' (of the Axis fronts).
In message to Iraqi PM al-Zaidi he posted on X that "legitimacy does not come from Washington; it comes from the soil of Najaf and the blood of the martyrs."
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Clarifying here that the event was co-hosted by the @AtlanticCouncil Iraq Initiative and the @USChamber. The Iraq Initiative was pleased to be part of hosting this meeting between the Prime Minister and the private sector.
Prime Minister @AliFalihAlzaidy met in New York with a delegation from the @USChamber .
The Prime Minister affirmed that Iraq possesses significant natural resources, human resources, and a strategic geographical location, providing essential foundations for successful investment partnerships. He noted that the government is working to utilize these resources in a manner that serves economic development and enhances investment opportunities.
Mr. Al-Zaidi underscored the government’s commitment to providing all necessary support and facilitation for companies and investors, including granting ownership of land for investment projects in accordance with Iraqi laws, as well as access to tax and customs exemptions provided for investment projects for a period of up to ten years.
The Prime Minister noted that Iraq is working to develop infrastructure and transportation projects, particularly the railway network as part of the Development Road Project, which will strengthen Iraq’s position as a corridor connecting the East and the West and provide broad opportunities for investors.
The Prime Minister called on U.S. companies to take advantage of the investment opportunities available in Iraq, particularly in the petrochemicals, glass and phosphate industries, as well as the gas and clean energy sectors. He affirmed that the government looks forward to establishing factories and productive projects that contribute to diversifying the economy and creating job opportunities.
The Prime Minister also invited members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and specialized companies to participate in the Baghdad Energy Conference and take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Iraqi economy. He affirmed that Iraq seeks to build economic relations based on partnership, mutual interests, and long-term investment.
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Great conversation today with @USAMBTurkiye about the current geopolitical situation, US policy in the Middle East, and how the US can and should redefine its priorities.
Honored to host @USAMBTurkiye Tom Barrack for a high level conversation on US regional policy together with @ACMideast Iraq Initiative and Syria Project. Kicked off by @defnesadiklar, moderated by @VictoriaT_
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Not to be a Debbie Downer here, but no evidence that the three groups (Kata'ib Imam Ali, Saraya al-Salam, Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq) that have agreed to voluntarily disarm have completely done so. I understand some weapons have been handed over, but nothing to suggest this is 100 percent. Nor is it clear to me that either the US or Iraqi government would have a full accounting of their weapons holdings to know what 100 percent event looks like.
Rubio on Iraq PM/militias: “I met with him, and then the president saw him briefly last night as well, and had this conversation. Look, we have zero doubt of his commitment to doing this. We understand it's a massive challenge and a difficult challenge. I think he's achieved certain things. At least three militias have disarmed and have basically joined the the national government. There are a couple, at least one in particular, that has not been as forthcoming, and we recognize that's going to be a real challenge that he's going to have on his hands, and as we've told him, we want him to succeed.
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Quoted here in @ElizHagedorn's piece on Rubio-Zaidi and Iraq's militia disarmament 👇
Several of the most powerful factions, including Kata’ib Hizbollah, refuse to voluntarily surrender their weapons. Others have said they are prepared to do so but appear to be waiting for political concessions in return, said Victoria Taylor, director of the Iraq Initiative and Syria Project at the Atlantic Council.
Taylor pointed to Asaib Ahl al-Haq as an example, saying the group is waiting to see whether the United States will accept the appointment of Laith al-Khazali — the brother of its secretary-general, Qais al-Khazali — as a deputy prime minister in Iraq’s government.
“Ultimately, these groups want to see a political pathway that would allow them to be removed from designation lists and become full participants in Iraq’s political process,” Taylor said.
Iraqi PM Zaidi says disarmament of Iran-backed militia to be completed by June 30, 2027
Leaving the Zaidi-Rubio meeting in New York, US envoy Tom Barrack told me there is agreement that by end of June “only the state is the keeper of the military force.”
al-monitor.com/originals/202…
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This is a very short and very direct readout of the Rubio meeting with Iraqi PM Zaidi, and the only issue of substance referenced here is militia disarmament.
When I was in Iraq, some Iraqi politicians seemed to think that the pressure would relieved in November after the midterms. I don't see it. This is a laser-like focus on militias and this team is not even padding the public statement with any general niceties.
Iraq: US State Department Readout: "The Secretary and Prime Minister agreed on the importance of Iraq dismantling terrorist militias, preventing attacks from Iraqi territory, and fully exercising its sovereignty."
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Quoted here in @ErikaSolomon's interview with Iraqi PM al-Zaidi on militia disarmament. Bottom line: whether it's September 30 or June 30, Zaidi faces significant obstacles to achieving this goal.
“The Iraqi government has stated that they’re not part of this war,” said Victoria Taylor, director of the Iraq Initiative at the Washington-based Atlantic Council. “But they don’t really have control over that.”
Iran would not greenlight the disarming of its Iraqi allies, she said, at a time when they have proved themselves to be “an extremely potent tool.”
nytimes.com/2026/09/21/world…
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Victoria J. Taylor retweeted
#Mosul remains one of Iraq’s most important cities. Recent history and troubles do not erase the city’s strategic and cultural significance to #Iraq and the region.
The Iraq Initiative traveled to Mosul to meet with political leaders, visit the University of Mosul, and to meet with the Christian community. Although the devastation from ISIS is still visible, Mosul is rebuilding and the people of Mosul are resilient.
@SafwanAmin
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The Iraq Initiative traveled to Mosul to meet with political leaders, visit the University of Mosul, and to meet with the Christian community. Although the devastation from ISIS is still visible, Mosul is rebuilding and the people of Mosul are resilient.
@SafwanAmin
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Belatedly flagging this great piece by @yesar on US investment in Iraq's oil sector and how the Iraqi government is attempting to use investment to reset the broader relationship.
In my latest article for the @AtlanticCouncil, I argue that #Iraq sees an opportunity to reset relations with the #US by offering opportunities in its #oil sector, including future export pipeline routes bypassing #Hormuz.
But this attempt at realigning relations with Washington depends heavily on reining in #Iran-backed militias and securing favourable commercial terms for oil companies and export pipeline investors, all within a limited timeframe before the #Trump administration potentially loses interest. #OOTT
👇
atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/me…
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Victoria J. Taylor retweeted
"Iraq is a vital lifeline for Iran."
On the latest episode of Oasis, Director of @AtlanticCouncil's Iraq Initiative @VictoriaT_ joins @DBDesRoches to discuss #Iraq’s economic ties with #Iran and how they could come under greater pressure as the war continues.
Catch the full episode here: piped.video/watch?v=s_AqPG3F…
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Great discussion with @DBDesRoches on the @GulfIntlForum Oasis podcast about the US troop withdrawal from Iraq and what comes next.
🚨NEW OASIS EPISODE🚨
With U.S. troops set to withdraw and militias facing a disarmament deadline, how is the current war shaping #Iraq’s future and the #US–#Iran battle for influence in the country?
@VictoriaT_, Director of @AtlanticCouncil's Iraq Initiative and former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Iraq and Iran, joined @DBDesRoches to discuss Iraq’s political system, Iran-backed militias, U.S.–Iraq relations, and Iraq's importance to Tehran amid the war.
Catch this timely discussion here: piped.video/watch?v=s_AqPG3F…
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Because the Iranians helped place them there?
وافق رئيس مجلس الوزراء، القائد العام للقوات المسلحة السيد علي فالح الزيدي، على طلب الجانب الإيراني لإجراء تحقيق مشترك بشأن العثور على منصات إطلاق طائرات مسيّرة قرب الشريط الحدودي العراقي الإيراني.
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صباح النعمان
الناطق باسم القائد العام للقوات المسلحة
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I know word is out, but yes, the @AtlanticCouncil is hosting Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa in NYC on September 22 and yes, @brett_mcgurk is moderating. It is indeed a bold choice. Join us online via the link below for what promises to be a fascinating conversation on Syria's future.
atlanticcouncil.org/event/pr…
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The attacks on Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline coming from Iraq's Iran-backed militias are just the latest reminder that the militias play a key role in Iran's regional security strategy. While I was in Iraq, many politicians were publicly stating that there would be no conflict and that the strategy to disarm militias was based on voluntary disarmament.
In my opinion, Kata'ib Hizballah and Harakat al-Nujaba are not on the road to voluntary disarmament and negotiating directly with these groups is not going to work. They take their orders from Tehran and as long as Tehran finds value in their ability to launch attacks -- as they are doing right now -- they are not going to disarm or even halt attacks.
تدين الحكومة العراقية الهجمات التي استهدفت المملكة العربية السعودية الشقيقة، وتؤكد رفضها لأي اعتداء يمس أمن المملكة واستقرارها، أو يسيء إلى العلاقات الأخوية الراسخة بين البلدين.
وتثمّن الحكومة العراقية موقف المملكة واستجابتها للجهود التي بذلها العراق لاحتواء الموقف، وهو ما يعكس حرصها على أمن العراق واستقراره، وعلى مواصلة مسار العلاقات الأخوية والتعاون بما يخدم مصالح الشعبين الشقيقين.
وفي هذا السياق، وجّه رئيس مجلس الوزراء، القائد العام للقوات المسلحة، السيد علي فالح الزيدي، بفتح تحقيق عاجل في ملابسات الاعتداءات والجهات التي تقف وراءها، واتخاذ الإجراءات القانونية بحق كل من يثبت تورطه، مؤكداً أن الدولة لن تتهاون مع أي نشاط يعرّض العراق أو علاقاته مع الدول الشقيقة والصديقة للخطر.
وتؤكد الحكومة العراقية أنها ستواصل العمل مع الأشقاء والأصدقاء، لمنع تكرار مثل هذه الاعتداءات، وترسيخ احترام القانون ومبادئ حسن الجوار، وبما يحمي مصالح العراق ويعزز دوره الإيجابي في محيطه الإقليمي.
ويجدد العراق التأكيد أن أراضيه وأجواءه لن تكون منطلقاً للاعتداء على أي دولة، وأن سياسته تقوم على احترام سيادة الدول، ورفض الاعتداء عليها، والعمل على أن تكون علاقاته مع جواره الإقليمي جسراً للتعاون والاستقرار، لا ساحة للتوتر والصراع.
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صباح النعمان
الناطق باسم القائد العام للقوات المسلحة
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Congratulations, @murad_ismael . This is a significant step for Sinjar and I hope it will contribute to greater stability and security in Sinjar.
بيان
نبارك لشعبنا العراقي، ومنهم أبناء شعبنا من المكوّن الإيزيدي، الاتفاق التاريخي القاضي بدمج قوات المقاومة الإيزيدية — اليبشا — ضمن صفوف إخوانهم في القوات الأمنية الرسمية، وحصر السلاح بيد الدولة، وطيّ صفحةٍ مهمة تُحفظ بها حقوق شعبنا ضمن نطاق القانون والدستور.
وكما عاهدنا شعبنا على حلّ هذه الملفات، تُثمر اليوم النتائج بوحدتنا في تحالف القضية الإيزيدية، وبعلاقتنا الأخوية مع مختلف شرائح شعبنا، بما فيها وحدات مقاومة سنجار؛ إذ نجحنا اليوم في الوصول إلى اتفاقٍ تاريخي يحفظ أمن وسيادة عراقنا الحبيب، ويمنح شبابنا الذين حملوا السلاح فرصة الاندماج مع إخوتهم في القوات الأمنية الأخرى، لحماية منطقتهم وأرضهم وكلّ شبرٍ من أرض العراق أينما دعت الحاجة الوطنية لذلك.
ولا يسعنا إلا أن نشكر رئيس مجلس الوزراء، السيد علي الزيدي، والقيادات الأمنية كافة، على تفهّمهم لخصوصية القضية الإيزيدية، والظلم الذي وقع على الإيزيديين — بما فيه الإبادة الجماعية التي ارتكبها تنظيم داعش — وما يعيشه شعبنا إلى اليوم من نزوحٍ وهجرة، وآلافٍ ما زالوا في الأسر، ومناطق تنتظر إعمارها، ورفاتٍ ينتظر دفنه.
إنّ هذه الخطوة الكبيرة هي بداية السير على الطريق الصحيح، منبثقةً من رؤية رئيس الوزراء في حصر السلاح، وصيانة السيادة، وعدم ترك أيّ مكوّنٍ عراقي يعيش التهميش والإقصاء.
النائب مراد إسماعيل
رئيس كتلة تحالف القضية الإيزيدية
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For more thoughts on what the end of Operation Inherent Resolve and the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq means 👇
Operation Inherent Resolve will soon be resolved.
On September 30, the final US troops are slated to withdraw from Iraq.
Atlantic Council experts unpack what the US withdrawal means for the Middle East and beyond:
atlanticcouncil.org/blogs/me…
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