In this episode of Today's Battlegrounds, H.R. McMaster and Haider al Abadi discuss the future of US–Iraq relations as the new Prime Minister al-Zaidi and his government endeavor to strengthen Iraqi sovereignty, fight corruption, improve security, recover from a regional war, and diversify its economy.
Former Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi reflects on Iraq's partnership with the United States in the fight against al-Qaeda and ISIS, the challenges of balancing relations with regional powers, and the need to strengthen state institutions while preserving Iraqi independence. He discusses political reform, the integration of armed groups into the state, regional economic cooperation, and the importance of democratic governance as foundations for Iraq's long-term stability and prosperity.
Videos
What to make of the Cold War rivalry over AI and the prospects of a Chinese move on Taiwan? Hoover fellow and Sino expert Eyck Freymann discusses the state of U.S.-China relations, followed by a look at Russia’s war of attrition and Vladimir Putin’s options 55 months after his country launched this century’s second invasion of Ukraine.
September 23, 2026
Videos
H.R. McMaster and Vladimir Kara-Murza discuss the state of the war in Ukraine, the prospects and perils facing Russia's opposition, the shifting currents of Russian domestic politics, the effort to organize the Russian diaspora into a coherent political force, and prospects of a post-Putin Russia.
September 23, 2026
Videos
Rising energy demand makes energy pragmatism—not climate alarmism—more essential than ever to secure abundant, reliable, sustainable power while remaining environmentally responsible.
September 22, 2026
