Brookings: Experts - Kenneth M. Pollack

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, U.S. President Obama and the Baghdad Bombings

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kenneth Pollack says the massive bombings in Baghdad on October 25 that killed over 150 people are a problem for both Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki and U.S. President Obama. Pollack concludes the bombing calls Maliki's claims of keeping Iraq secure into question while also bringing forward the idea that U.S. troops may need to return to Baghdad – despite previous U.S. plans – back into consideration.

The Iran Talks in Geneva: Too Soon to Tell

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Kenneth Pollack says recent discussions between the P5-plus-one and Iran were not earth-shaking, with several questions remaining unanswered in the aftermath. However, Pollack does find it interesting that the Iranians demonstrated some willingness to compromise on small interests and there was no attempt to grandstand at the meeting.

The Battle for Baghdad

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

With renewed violence striking Iraq, Ken Pollack writes that the United States is still all that stands between the war-torn country and anarchy. Pollack argues that the United States should use its power and influence within Iraq to ensure that the country does not slide back into civil war.

Which Path to Persia? : Options for a New American Strategy toward Iran

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Which Path to Persia? objectively presents the most important policy options available to the United States in crafting a new strategy toward Iran.

Options for a New American Strategy Toward Iran

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

In a new Saban Analysis Paper, six Brookings experts analyze the main policy approaches toward Iran. In examining the benefits and drawbacks of the nine options—including engagement, persuasion, airstrikes, and containment—the authors refrain from recommending one policy over the other. Rather, they present the details of the policies in a manner that allows readers to understand the complexity of the challenge that is Iran and decide for themselves which group of policies is best.

U.S. Troops Withdraw from Iraq

Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:58:29 GMT

As U.S. troops withdraw back to their bases in Iraq, questions remain about Iraq’s ability to maintain security and stability in the country. Iraq’s leadership, military, and police force face a number of challenges ahead as they assume control, but as Kenneth Pollack explains, Iraqis are eager to end the so-called U.S. occupation and establish their sovereignty.

Iraq’s Year of Living Dangerously

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

President Barack Obama has announced plans to withdraw most U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of August 2010, while leaving between 35,000 to 50,000 troops through the end of 2011. Michael O'Hanlon and Kenneth Pollack, who recently returned from Iraq, note the country continues to make tremendous strides even if the war is not over. O'Hanlon and Pollack point to numerous challenges that could strain the situation and worsen conditions, but they argue this could be a final crucial test of our mission to stabilize Iraq enough for U.S. troop withdrawals.

Containing the Spillover from an Iraqi Civil War

Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:11:31 GMT

Ken Pollack describes a new study in which the authors use the results of historical research to fashion a policy for the United States to try to contain civil war in Iraq.

The Evolution of Iraq Strategy

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Stephen Biddle, Michael O'Hanlon and Kenneth Pollack analyze the current situation in Iraq and the evolving Iraq strategy. They lay out a "conditions based" approach to reduce American forces in Iraq and argue that most combat forces can leave by 2011.

Impact of Iraq War on Jihadist Terrorism

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Kenneth Pollack joined the Philadephia Inquirer's Trudy Rubin to discuss the long-term impact of the Iraq war on al Qaeda and what the future involvement of the United States should be in the region.

How to Leave a Stable Iraq

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings experts Michael O'Hanlon and Kenneth Pollack, writing with Stephen Biddle of the Council on Foreign Relations, argue that the situation in Iraq is improving. They believe that with the right strategy, the United States will eventually be able to draw down troops in the country without sacrificing stability.

U.S. Troops Not Quite Ready to Go Home from Iraq

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Brookings experts Michael O'Hanlon and Kenneth Pollack, writing with Stephen Biddle of the Council on Foreign Relations, note that while security in Iraq is much is improved, a complete withdrawal of U.S. troops at this time would be unwise. The authors argue that in order to maintain the advances in stability and security achieved over two years, a continued U.S. combat force presence is still required.

Middle East: A Path Out of the Desert

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Kenneth Pollack joined washingtonpost.com readers to discuss his new book A Path Out of the Desert: A Grand Strategy for America in the Middle East.

Will Oil Profits Reshape the Middle East?

Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Kenneth Pollack explores the idea that profits from record high oil prices may lead to a new era of diversified economies and employment in the Middle East. Pollack believes the idea is incorrect, because even though there is more money coming in, it is not being spent where it is most needed.

Iraq's Long-Term Impact on Jihadist Terrorism

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Daniel Byman and Kenneth Pollack argue that the problems facing Iraq could have tremendous consequences for the broader "war on terror," particularly if problems return to or exceed levels seen at the height of violence in 2006. Byman and Pollack write that Salafi militants may use the country as a base for operations or attacks elsewhere in the region and that refugees from Iraq might spread terrorism, radicalize neighboring populations, and contribute to instability throughout the region.

Recent Developments in Iraq

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

After returning from a fact-finding mission, Michael O'Hanlon and Kenneth Pollack joined CNN’s Fareed Zakaria to discuss recent developments in Iraq. O'Hanlon and Pollack assessed progress made by the Iraqi government and security forces, and noted the weakened state of insurgent groups throughout the country. Both experts argued that planned U.S. troop drawdowns would undermine the current relative stability within Iraq.

Iraq: Can the South Stand Strong?

Sun, 04 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

While the surge and new U.S. strategies in Iraq have improved the situation throughout northern portions of the country, Kenneth Pollack warns that progress remains fragile. He argues that because the coalition has so far been unable to provide security in the south, it has become a battleground that may undermine gains made elsewhere.

So Much for Good Intentions in Iraq

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

As the fifth anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq nears, Kenneth Pollack states that how we entered Iraq is no longer as important as how we leave.

Apres-Surge: The Next Iraq Debates

Mon, 31 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Kenneth Pollack discusses recent military gains in Iraq following the U.S. troop expansion in that country. While conditions continue to improve in previously troubled regions like Anbar and Nineveh provinces, Pollack argues that the progress is uneven and that the troubled nation can still be lost if the U.S., Iraq, and their allies do not address the political, economic, and security problems that remain.

Salvaging the Possible: Policy Options in Iraq

Sat, 01 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Carlos Pascual and Kenneth Pollack write that progress in Iraq can come through the time consuming task of building the institutions of a failed state, creating a secure environment, and helping to end the civil war through negotiated settlement.

Iraq Trip Report

Sun, 05 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Following a recent trip to Iraq, Brookings scholars Michael O'Hanlon and Kenneth Pollack argue that the U.S. is making progress there. "The most important thing Americans need to understand: We are finally getting somewhere in Iraq, at least in military terms," they note.

Stability in Iraq: A War We Just Might Win

Mon, 30 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Michael E. O'Hanlon and Kenneth M. Pollack (7/30/07)

The Critical Battles: Political Reconciliation and Reconstruction in Iraq

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Carlos Pascual and Kenneth M. Pollack, The Washington Quarterly (Summer 2007)

Things Fall Apart : Containing the Spillover from an Iraqi Civil War

Fri, 01 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Preventing spillover of the Iraqi conflict into neighboring states must be a top priority. In explaining how that can be accomplished, Daniel Byman and Kenneth Pollack draw on their own considerable expertise as well as relevant precedents.

Civil Defense: The Surge That Would Really Save Iraq

Mon, 21 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Kenneth M. Pollack, The New Republic (5/21/07)

Keeping the Lid On Iraq's Civil War

Tue, 01 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Daniel Byman and Kenneth Pollack, The National Interest (May-June 2007)

Waning Chances for Stability in Iraq: Navigating Bad Options in Iraq

Wed, 28 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

As the latest National Intelligence Estimate shows, Iraq is a failed state ensnared in a civil war. For the United States, the stakes in Iraq include humanitarian considerations (already, two million refugees have fled Iraq, and another 1.6 million have been displaced internally), regional risks to peace, and global consequences affecting oil supplies and nuclear proliferation.

10 Questions on Iran: The Next War?

Fri, 02 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Kenneth M. Pollack, Couric & Co. (2/2/07)

Bush's Iraq Plan Deserves a Chance

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Kenneth M. Pollack, Council on Foreign Relations (1/30/07)

Last Chance in Iraq?

Thu, 11 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Kenneth M. Pollack (1/11/07)

Things Fall Apart: Containing the Spillover from an Iraqi Civil War

Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Kenneth M. Pollack and Daniel L. Byman propose a set of policy options that the United States could employ to try to contain the "spill over" effects of a full-scale Iraqi civil war.

Don't Count on Iran to Pick Up the Pieces in Iraq

Fri, 08 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Kenneth M. Pollack, The New York Times (12/8/06)

Rights and Wrongs of Fixing Iraq

Wed, 06 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Carlos Pascual and Kenneth M. Pollack, Financial Times (12/6/06)

The Seven Deadly Sins of Failure in Iraq: A Retrospective Analysis of the Reconstruction

Fri, 01 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Kenneth M. Pollack, The Middle East Review of International Affairs (December 2006)

Iraqi Refugees: Carriers of Conflict

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Daniel L. Byman and Kenneth M. Pollack, The Atlantic Monthly (November 2006)

Bringing Iran to the Bargaining Table

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Kenneth M. Pollack, Current History (November 2006)

Explosive Affinities: Cross-Border Consequences of Civil Strife in Iraq

Fri, 01 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Kenneth M. Pollack and Daniel L. Byman, Berlin Journal (Fall 2006)

Iraq Runneth Over: What Next?

Sun, 20 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Kenneth M. Pollack and Daniel L. Byman, The Washington Post (8/20/06)

The Iranian Calculus

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Philip H. Gordon and Kenneth M. Pollack, Wall Street Journal (8/3/06)

Grand Strategy: Why America Should Promote a New Liberal Order in the Middle East

Sat, 22 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Kenneth M. Pollack, Blueprint Magazine (7/22/06)

Saving Iraq

Tue, 11 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Testimony by Kenneth M. Pollack before the United States House of Representatives, Committee on Government Reform, Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats, and International Relations (7/11/06)

Iran: Three Alternative Futures

Thu, 01 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Kenneth M. Pollack, The Middle East Review of International Affairs (June 2006)

The Iranian Nuclear Program: Motivations and Priorities

Wed, 17 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Testimony by Kenneth M. Pollack before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (5/17/06)

Muqtada al-Sadr: Iraq's Shadowy Power Broker

Mon, 08 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Kenneth M. Pollack, TIME Magazine (5/8/06)

Seven Steps Toward a Last Chance in Iraq

Sun, 12 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Kenneth Pollack; NPR's Weekend Edition (3/12/06)

A Switch in Time : A New Strategy for America in Iraq

Wed, 01 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT

On Violence in Iraq

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Kenneth M. Pollack

A Switch in Time: A New Strategy for America in Iraq

Wed, 15 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT

There is no greater foreign policy challenge for the United States today than the reconstruction of Iraq. For this reason, in November-December 2005, the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at the Brookings Institution brought together a small group of experts on Iraq, on the process of political and economic reconstruction, and on military affairs, under the direction of its Director of Research, Kenneth M. Pollack, to consider U.S. policy toward Iraq in all of its dimensions. Pollack then took the fruits of these discussions, along with findings from trips to Iraq and to U.S. Central Command headquarters in Tampa, and crafted them into a new report from the Saban Center entitled A Switch in Time: A New Strategy for America in Iraq. This monograph details a comprehensive, alternative approach to current U.S. military, political, and economic policies in Iraq.

Iraqi Elections

Tue, 13 Dec 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Kenneth M. Pollack, CNN (12/13/05)

The Threat from Iran

Thu, 29 Sep 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Testimony by Kenneth M. Pollack before the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Terrorism, Unconventional Threats and Capabilities

Iraq's Security

Mon, 18 Jul 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Testimony by Kenneth M. Pollack, Senate Foreign Relations Committee (7/18/05)

Five Ways to Win Back Iraq

Fri, 01 Jul 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Kenneth M. Pollack, The New York Times (7/1/05)

Taking on Tehran

Tue, 01 Mar 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Kenneth M. Pollack and Ray Takeyh, Foreign Affairs (3/1/05)

'The Crisis': Reading the Future in Tehran

Sun, 27 Feb 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Book Review by Kenneth M. Pollack, The New York Times Magazine (2/27/05)

The Persian Puzzle: U.S.-Iran Relations

Mon, 24 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT

Interview with Kenneth M. Pollack, MotherJones.com (1/24/05)

Persuade Iran to Abandon the Bomb

Thu, 16 Dec 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Philip H. Gordon and Kenneth M. Pollack, Lib�ration (12/16/04)

America's Refusal to Engage Iran a Dead End

Wed, 15 Dec 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Philip H. Gordon and Kenneth M. Pollack, Chicago Tribune (12/15/04)

U.S. Is Needed to Defuse Iran

Wed, 17 Nov 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Kenneth M. Pollack, Los Angeles Times (11/17/04)

Iran: What the Mullahs Learned From the Neighbors

Tue, 09 Nov 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Kenneth M. Pollack, New York Times (11/9/04)

The Persian Puzzle : The Conflict Between Iran and America

Fri, 01 Oct 2004 00:00:00 GMT

The Persian Puzzle : The Conflict Between Iran and America

Fri, 01 Oct 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Mourning After: How They Screwed It Up

Mon, 28 Jun 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Kenneth M. Pollack, The New Republic (6/28/04)

Securing Iraq

Wed, 21 Apr 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Testimony by Kenneth M. Pollack, Senate Foreign Relations Committee (4/21/04)

After Saddam: Assessing the Reconstruction of Iraq

Thu, 01 Jan 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Paper by Kenneth M. Pollack (January 2004)

Spies, Lies, and Weapons: What Went Wrong

Thu, 01 Jan 2004 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Kenneth M. Pollack (January/February 2004)

Saudi Arabia's Big Leap

Thu, 16 Oct 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Kenneth Pollack, The New York Times (10/16/03)

Securing the Persian Gulf: Washington Must Manage Both External Aggression and Internal Instability

Mon, 01 Sep 2003 00:00:00 GMT

America's primary interest in the Persian Gulf is ensuring the free and stable flow of the region's oil to the world at large. Washington's aim is not simply to keep oil flowing out of the Persian Gulf, but also to prevent any potentially hostile sta

The Neoliberal Take on the Middle East

Tue, 22 Jul 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Ronald Asmus and Kenneth Pollack, The Washington Post (7/22/03)

Securing the Gulf

Tue, 01 Jul 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Kenneth M. Pollack, Foreign Affairs (July/August 2003)

Saddam's Bombs? We'll Find Them

Fri, 20 Jun 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Kenneth M. Pollack, The New York Times (6/20/03)

Democracy in Iraq?

Sun, 01 Jun 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Article by Kenneth Pollack and Daniel Byman, The Washington Quarterly (Summer 2003)

The Israeli-Palestinian Workshop: Toward a Two-State Solution

Thu, 01 May 2003 00:00:00 GMT

The Israeli-Palestinian Workshop: Toward a Two-State Solution (May 2003)

With the War Over, the U.S. Faces Hard Challenges

Fri, 18 Apr 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Kenneth M. Pollack for the Iraq Report (April 18, 2003)

The Struggles Ahead in Iraq

Fri, 11 Apr 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Kenneth M. Pollack for the Daily War Report (April 11, 2003)

The Defense of Baghdad

Fri, 04 Apr 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Kenneth Pollack for the Daily War Report (April 4, 2003)

Reassessing the Iraqi Adversary

Thu, 03 Apr 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Kenneth Pollack for the Iraq Memo (April 3, 2003)

Battling for Basra

Fri, 28 Mar 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Kenneth Pollack for the Daily War Report (March 28, 2003)

The War Through Saddam's Eyes

Fri, 21 Mar 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Kenneth Pollack for the Daily War Report (March 21, 2003)

A Last Chance to Stop Iraq

Fri, 21 Feb 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Kenneth M. Pollack, Director of Research, The Saban Center for Middle East Policy, in The New York Times, February 21, 2003

Turning the Tide

Fri, 07 Feb 2003 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Ken Pollack, Director of Research, the Saban Center for Middle East Policy, in the Los Angeles Times

Sizing Up an Invasion of Iraq

Wed, 18 Dec 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Iraq Memo by Ken Pollack, Senior Fellow, the Brookings Institution, for the Saban Center for Middle East Policy, December 18, 2002

Escaping the Inspections Trap

Mon, 18 Nov 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Iraq Memo by Ken Pollack, Senior Fellow, the Brookings, Institution, for the Saban Center for Middle East Policy, November 18, 2002

Why Iraq Can't Be Deterred

Thu, 26 Sep 2002 00:00:00 GMT

Opinion by Kenneth M. Pollack, Senior Fellow, the Brookings Institution, in The New York Times, September 26, 2002