On Thursday, July 26, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined the U.S. Institute of Peace to give remarks on U.S. policy options in Iraq in the post-ISIS era. She discussed the protection of religious minority groups and offered her perspective on Iranian influence in the country and region.

Senator Ernst is the first female combat veteran to serve in the U.S. Senate, having retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard. She serves as the Chairwoman of the Senate Armed Services Committee’s Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee.

Iraq’s trajectory as a young democracy has been riven by extremism, regional competition and sectarian violence. With the routing of ISIS by Iraqi forces and allies in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, many see an opportunity for the country to escape this cycle of bloodshed and deepen much needed reforms. However, this May’s contested parliamentary elections, recent widespread protests and lingering elements of ISIS extremists demonstrate that security threats persist, and the country remains fragile. As a key ally, the U.S. has an indispensable role to play in working with its Iraqi partners to strengthen government and civil society institutions, continue progress in defeating ISIS, and move forward towards stability in a volatile region. Join the conversation at #ErnstIraqUSIP.

Speakers

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA)
U.S. Senator from Iowa
@SenJoniErnst 

Nancy Lindborg, moderator
President, U.S. Institute of Peace
@nancylindborg

Related Publications

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

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

ReconciliationViolent 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

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 & GovernanceGlobal Policy

USIP Explains: Community Dialogue in Northern Sinjar

USIP Explains: Community Dialogue in Northern Sinjar

Thursday, April 11, 2024

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 & DialoguePeace Processes

View All Publications