Menu

United States Institute of Peace

Home ▶ Events

Iraqi Foreign Minister on Aid, ISIS and Reconciliation

Date: Tuesday, July 19, 2016 / Time: 9:30am - 10:30am 

Center: Middle East North Africa Center

Read the Event Coverage
Share This
Print the Page

Iraq’s Foreign Minister Dr. Ibrahim al-Jaafari addressed his country’s role in the Middle East, its battle against ISIS/ISIL, relations with the U.S., and the need for international assistance, in an event at the U.S. Institute of Peace on July 19. It was his only public appearance during a trip to Washington for meetings with the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL and an international pledging conference to raise funds for relief and reconstruction, as the Iraqi government works with allies to prepare for the massive undertaking of recapturing the country’s second-largest city, Mosul, from ISIS control.

IFM 8415-X3.jpg
USIP's Ambassador Bill Taylor moderates the discussion with Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari

As the government of Iraq fights a war against the extremist group, engagement with regional and international partners is essential in shaping the country’s future. Dr. Al-Jaafari, who has served as foreign minister since 2014, has worked with counterparts abroad to secure the military, humanitarian and development aid as well as the political support that Iraq needs to resolve the conflict, end political stagnation and assist the millions of citizens driven from their homes by the fighting. His address at USIP also touched on the imperative for reconciliation to resolve underlying conflicts and stabilize areas after they are liberated from ISIS control. Continue the conversation on Twitter with #JaafariUSIP.

Speakers

Nancy Lindborg, Opening Remarks
President, U.S. Institute of Peace 

Amb. Brett McGurk, Remarks
Special Presidential Envoy for the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL

Dr. Ibrahim Al-Jaafari
Foreign Minister, Republic of Iraq 

Amb. William B. Taylor, Moderator
Executive Vice President, U.S. Institute of Peace

Related Publications

Iraq’s Lingering ISIS Challenge and the Role of Dialogue in Return and Reintegration

Iraq’s Lingering ISIS Challenge and the Role of Dialogue in Return and Reintegration

Thursday, November 21, 2024

By: Osama Gharizi

With conflicts raging in Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine and Sudan, concerns related to the extremist group ISIS may seem overtaken by these other conflicts. After all, Iraq declared the group’s military defeat in 2017 after the territory held by the extremists was retaken by Iraqi government forces in partnership with the United States. Yet just over a month ago, U.S. and Iraqi forces conducted a joint military raid against the group, killing nine senior ISIS leaders who were hiding in the rugged Hamrin Mountains in northern Iraq. This raid comes off the heels of the UK’s domestic intelligence chief stating that the group is positioning itself as a resurgent threat. Indeed, ISIS has conducted over 150 attacks so far this year in Iraq and Syria, more than those claimed by the group in 2023.

Type: Analysis

Reconciliation;  Violent Extremism

10 Years After ISIS’s Genocide, Iraq Is Still Dealing with the Human Legacies

10 Years After ISIS’s Genocide, Iraq Is Still Dealing with the Human Legacies

Monday, July 8, 2024

By: Sarhang Hamasaeed;  Osama Gharizi

This year marks the 10-year anniversary of ISIS’ capture of a third of Iraqi and Syrian territory and genocide against the Ezidis (Yazidis) and other communities. Supported by the U.S.-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, Iraq declared military victory over the terrorist group in December 2017 and has significantly reduced and controlled the threat ever since. Significant progress has also been made in the recovery and stabilization process, with the successful return to their areas of origin of some five million of the six million Iraqis internally displaced by the conflict and the rebuilding of many of the regions that the conflict devastated.

Type: Analysis

Reconciliation;  Violent Extremism

Baghdad Is Ready for a New Chapter in U.S.-Iraq Relations

Baghdad Is Ready for a New Chapter in U.S.-Iraq Relations

Thursday, April 25, 2024

By: Sarhang Hamasaeed

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met last week with U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House as part of a weeklong visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. The visit occurred amid several historic anniversaries and dangerous developments in the Middle East. April marks the 21st anniversary of the toppling of Saddam Hussein. Since 2003, the U.S.-Iraq relationship has witnessed many ups and downs. Even as tensions persist, particularly in relation to the U.S. troop presence in the country, al-Sudani’s visit — which featured the largest delegation Iraqis have brought to Washington — demonstrates Iraqi will to start a new chapter in the strategic partnership that goes beyond security.

Type: Analysis

Democracy & Governance;  Global Policy

USIP Explains: Community Dialogue in Northern Sinjar

USIP Explains: Community Dialogue in Northern Sinjar

Thursday, April 11, 2024

By: Sarhang Hamasaeed

Ten years after ISIS’ genocide against them, the wounds of the Yazidi community in Iraq’s Sinjar district remain fresh as thousands remain displaced and even more await justice for the crimes perpetrated against them. Meanwhile, despite living in peaceful coexistence prior to ISIS’ campaign, the conflict planted seeds of division among Sinjar’s various tribes and communities — resulting in tensions that threatened to tear the district apart even after ISIS’ defeat.

Type: Blog

Mediation, Negotiation & Dialogue;  Peace Processes

View All Publications