All Policy Analysis by Michael Knights

In conventional political terms, Maliki likely remains the frontrunner for the premiership, but the argument that he is unable to stabilize the country by sharing power is once again gaining currency.

A U.S. contribution could help blunt ISIS advances in at least three ways.

Who is ISIS, why has Iraq's army crumbled, and how can the United States help? Three experts discuss these and other issues during a Washington Institute Policy Forum.

As ISIS marches toward Baghdad, can Washington afford to sit on the sidelines?

The loss of government control in a major city may be just the wakeup call Iraqi politicians need to embrace a more ambitious reconciliation agenda.

A political-military solution supported by all of Iraq's factions is likely the only measure that can reverse the situation, but it is too soon to gauge whether the Baghdad recognizes this reality.

If current trends continue, the ISIL's latest gambit could bring a strategic reversal for the movement in Iraq.

The votes are in, but Baghdad will need to resuscitate the revenue-sharing deal with the Kurds in order to steady the already-troubled government formation process.

Washington has rightfully avoided backing a candidate in next week's elections, but it should still use counterterrorism assistance and other levers to push Baghdad on pluralism and KRG oil revenue sharing during the presumably lengthy transition period.

Baghdad's promising offer on oil exports and revenues could provide vital breathing room to build a permanent revenue-sharing law, and Washington should encourage the Iraqi Kurds to sign on.