Iraq, Iran, and U.S. Strategy: A Trip Report

Iraq is having a volatile year. In the past few months alone, Baghdad has declared victory over the Islamic State, thwarted a Kurdish push for independence, and been forced to deal with fractured post-election politics that will delay formation of the next government. The public is actively protesting corruption and lack of electricity, water, and jobs, while Iran continues to meddle in the country’s affairs. Amid all these challenges, what is the U.S. strategy for fostering stability and good governance in Iraq?