Post-Conflict Reconstruction

Panel I: Exiting Iraq

Tue, 14 Nov 2006 02:00:00 -0500

In the “Exiting Iraq” panel of the Middle East Institute’s 60th Annual Conference, Jay Garner, Brian Katulis, David Satterfield, Qubad Talabani and moderator Bing West discussed various ways to improve the situation in Iraq and to find a comprehensive and successful way out of the current quagmire for US forces.

Iraq: Muqtada al-Sadr Still in the Game

Wayne White — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:02:32 -0400

Iraqi militia leader Muqtada al-Sadr remains a force to be reckoned with, regardless of his recent reverses. Unlike other militia leaders, he is more charismatic and has a large popular street following in locations extending from Baghdad through Iraq’s heavily populated Shi’a south. Ever since the surge, Sadr has been waiting out Washington, biding his time until the balance of political and street power is more to his liking.

Can Iraqis Beat the Ticking Clock?

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 14:59:03 -0500

Violence finally has declined enough so that an atmosphere more conducive to deal-making has emerged for Iraq’s rival ethno-sectarian groups. However, so far the tenor of politics in Baghdad does not appear to have changed much. Washington must make clear to the Iraqi government that as the surge begins to wind down, the opportunity to set in place durable stability must not be squandered. Otherwise, all involved will pay the consequences.

Iraq: Maliki in Crisis

Wayne White — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 16:00:28 -0400

Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki appears to be trying to address the serious divisions in his cabinet and a parliament in disarray amid questions as to whether there is any real hope he can ever deliver on key American goals that might draw Iraq’s Sunni Arabs back into the political mainstream.

Lack of National Iraqi Loyalty Confounding Surge

Wayne White — Thu, 3 May 2007 12:00:00 -0400

http://66.223.107.101/articles/doc639.html

Stabilizing Iraq and It's Neighbors in a Multilateral Context

David Mack — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 12:00:00 -0500

http://66.223.107.101/articles/doc620.html

Washington and Iraqi Governance: Time to Back Off

Wayne White — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 12:00:00 -0400

http://66.223.107.101/articles/doc570.html

A series of apparent US ultimatums and veiled political threats aimed at the government of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki in recent weeks—especially Maliki himself—is but the latest example of excessive US involvement in the Iraqi political process.

Lebanon, When Will It End?

Edward S. Walker, Jr. — Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:00:00 -0500

http://66.223.107.101/articles/doc479.html

A Plan For Victory

Edward Walker — Tue, 13 Dec 2005 12:00:00 -0500

http://66.223.107.101/articles/doc475.html

We should welcome the fact that the Bush Administration has now come up with a relatively comprehensive and somewhat detailed plan for victory in Iraq. For the future, I would only hope that this administration or any of its successors would develop such a strategy before invading another country. The fact that it has taken three years to inform the American people of our goals and strategy in Iraq is at best a dereliction of duty.

Iraq: Some Key Guidelines for Withdrawal

Wayne White — Mon, 28 Nov 2005 12:00:00 -0500

http://66.223.107.101/articles/doc472.html

A fairly complete US military withdrawal from Iraq within two years — if not sooner — is all but inevitable. The war against the insurgency is essentially stalemated, likely to remain so, and popular support for the war in the United States continues to erode. It is important, however, that certain aspects of the withdrawal be handled carefully in order to avoid political pitfalls that would certainly condemn a post-withdrawal Iraq to increased instability or civil war.