When faced with a rising tide of violence, largely caused by their own policy mistakes, the U.S. occupation embarked on the reconstitution of an Iraqi military. The resultant Iraqi security forces, under the control of Nuri al-Maliki, are today on their way to occupying the same role as the armed forces of the Ba'athist regime, writes Toby Dodge.

If Iraq can attract foreign investment and revive its petroleum industry, it stands to become the most advanced Arab country, claim Bloomberg editors.

Kenneth Katzman explains how sectarianism in Iraq impedes governance and human rights advances.

Amy Belasco of the Congressional Research Service explains the estimated allocation for funds authorized by the enactment of the sixth FY2011 Continuing Resolution through March 18, 2011 and breaks down several cost components of the wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and the War on Terror.

David Brooks writes that progress on Iraq's economic growth, basic security, and political and legal institutions shows U.S. nation building efforts in Iraq have worked.

This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the Iraq War's impact on the Middle East as it relates to U.S. policy in the region.

In this guide to the Iraqi elections, Foreign Policy takes a look at the manifold parties, coalitions, and sects involved, providing a comprehensive profile of each party's leadership, main constituency, power center, and history. 

Abbas Kadhim outlines the sources of local and systemic corruption in Iraq and its effects on the nation's prospects for democracy and the rule of law.

As the United States must not abandon the thousands of Iraqis currently risking their lives to work alongside our soldiers, diplomats, and aid workers. The Obama Administration cannot wait until the final hours of the withdrawal to address this moral imperative.

Tara McKelvey profiles the Washington Post's special military correspondent, Thomas E. Ricks, and looks at the ways in which debates on counterinsurgency policy within the media blur accurate coverage of war strategy and purpose.

A report detailing the structure of the Kurdistan Regional Government, its major political parties, and the dynamics of the upcoming election.

U.S. officials used to worry that Iraq's prime minister was too weak. That was then.

In this opinion piece Jawad Al Bolani, the interior minister of Iraq, writes that the June 30th withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq's major cities is the start of a highly uncertain period for Iraqi democracy rather than a historical endpoint to be celebrated.

This report outlines what steps the U.S. should take presently in order to secure a positive relationship with Iraq for the future.

Anthony H. Cordesman argues in a Washington Post op-ed that the United States runs the risk of making Iraq "the forgotten war," which could have dire consequences for the country's post-withdrawal prospects for peace.

In this article, Ned Parker describes the ruling style of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, and the implications for the future of democracy in Iraq.

The New York Times offers an in-depth comparison of the presidential candidates' plans for Iraq, based largely off the candidates' comments in extensive interviews on the topic.

In this Associated Press article, John Daniszewski writes that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki wants to create a new security accord with the United States, but is unwavering that it must respect Iraqi interests.

Noemie Emery, contributing editor to the Weekly Standard, says Sen. Barack Obama's opposition to the troop surge in Iraq raises questions about his judgment on foreign policy matters. Emery says the surge's success has caused "incoherence" in the Democratic Party's line on Iraq.

Ten Iraq policy experts discuss the effectiveness of the troop surge.