Economic Reconstruction in Iraq: Some Lessons for Planners and Practitioners

Effective economic reconstruction sends a number of positive signals in conflict-affected environments. It heralds a return to normalcy via employment creation and a resumption of investment flows and it fosters a broad constituency for peace by laying the foundation for sustained economic activity. In many cases, economic reconstruction requires a fundamental transformation of the economic arrangements and incentive structures to a more open, market-based system. While achieving reconstruction, transformation and meaningful growth in conflict-affected environments is daunting, there is no question that such reform is both necessary and urgent. The Task Force to Improve Business and Stability Operations (TFBSO) was established by the Defense Department in 2006 to augment coalition efforts to support stability and economic reconstruction efforts in Iraq by helping to revitalize the economy, create opportunities for investment and trigger sustainable economic growth. The panel, led by Paul Brinkley who directs TFBSO, will assess the challenges faced in Iraq and provide recommendations for planners and practitioners. The panel will also explore the following questions: How do we balance peacebuilding, state-building and economic recovery? How do we measure success? Are the TFBSO lessons relevant beyond Iraq? How could we promote coordination and burden-sharing among international partners?

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