Max Boot argues that the United States cannot afford to ignore Iraq now, when it is so close to a successful outcome.

Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's return to Iraq after self-imposed exile in Iran bolsters voices that want all U.S. troops out by the end of 2011 and marks the transition of his group from a militia to a powerful political force, says CFR's Mohamad Bazzi.

Iraq's coalition government is a promising resolution to nine months of political wrangling after national elections, says expert Joost Hiltermann, but questions loom about how effective the power-sharing agreement will be.

Mohamad Bazzi says that as Nouri al-Maliki has finally cobbled together Iraq's new government, the bitter compromises and power-sharing deals are likely to unleash a sectarian clash between Shias, the minority Sunnis, and Kurds.

Mohamad Bazzi discusses Nouri al-Maliki's second term as prime minister of Iraq.

Mohamad Bazzi argues that war has rendered Iraq a pawn in regional battles, and placed the entire Middle East at risk for sectarian conflict.

Mohamad Bazzi says violence is on the rise as political maneuvering, inside and outside Iraq, creates a power vacuum.

Mohamad Bazzi discusses Muqtada al-Sadr's involvement in the formation of Iraq's government and the selection of its new prime minister.

Despite reports of an emerging breakthrough, Iraq's political deadlock remains unresolved and seemingly far from the compromises necessary to clear the way for a governing coalition, says expert Joost R. Hiltermann.

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.