With the conclusion of the United States' combat role in Iraq, Mohamad Bazzi asks what kind of country Iraq's citizens are inheriting after seven years of occupation and civil war.

President Obama's declaration on ending the U.S. combat mission in Iraq did not address crucial questions about America's military role in Iraq, as well as Afghanistan, writes CFR President Richard N. Haass.

Leslie H. Gelb argues that Iraq and Afghanistan threaten to derail President Obama's greater goal of revitalizing the American economy.

Noah Feldman explains why the draw-down of troops in Iraq is a beginning and not an end.

Mohamad Bazzi argues that as U.S. troops in Iraq became mired in fighting an insurgency, Iran extended its influence.

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.

Iraqis worry that political stalemate, widespread corruption, and weak domestic security forces will plague their country if the U.S. pulls out completely next year, says veteran journalist Jane Arraf.

Max Boot argues that even with the withdrawal of combat troops from Iraq, the United States must continue to fight for Iraq's future.

Richard N. Haass discusses the lessons to be taken from the history of U.S. military involvement in Iraq--and their implications for how to move forward in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Iran.

While President Barack Obama defends the U.S. troop drawdown in Iraq this month, U.S. and Iraqi military officials are seeking a longer force commitment.

Stephen Biddle argues that troop withdrawal from Iraq should be slow and gradual.

Despite political uncertainty and a recent uptick in violence, the United States is winding down military operations in Iraq, a drawdown that will test Baghdad's nascent democratic institutions.

Mohamad Bazzi says that the United States has lost leverage in being able to force Iraqi leaders to end their current political stalemate.

Iraq's two leading parties will probably not pull together a coalition government until September, says Iraq expert Reidar Visser, and Washington has failed to push along the political process.

Rachel Schneller says withdrawal from military engagement in Iraq is overdue for the United States.

Mohamad Bazzi says Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's rise could stoke sectarian tensions in Iraq--and help Iran.

Mohamad Bazzi argues that Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr is positioning himself as "kingmaker" in Iraq.

Mohamad Bazzi explains how Muqtada al-Sadr reshapes Iraqi politics.