As part of its Gulf Rising series, AGSIW hosted a panel discussion on the state of relations between the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Iraq. How do Gulf countries view Iraq’s evolving regional role? What role might they play in reshaping Iraq’s domestic landscape, particularly the crucial struggle against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, and bolstering its political stability? Besides counterterrorism and trade, what other opportunities for cooperation and strengthened ties can be explored? Can Iraq reassure GCC states regarding its relationship with Iran, or even use them as a counterweight to Iranian pressure? Could Baghdad help mediate between Tehran and its GCC rivals? What is the Gulf interest in the Kurdish question, and its impact on other regional concerns, including Syria? How does American policy factor into these and other questions?

Panelists:

Dlawer Ala’Aldeen, Founding President, Middle East Research Institute

Luay al-Khatteeb, Executive Director, Iraq Energy Institute

Denise Natali, Distinguished Research Fellow, Institute for National Strategic Studies, National Defense University

Mohammed Alyahya, Nonresident Fellow, Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East, Atlantic Council

Toby Dodge, Director, London School of Economics Middle East Centre

Hussein Ibish, Senior Resident Scholar, AGSIW (Moderator)