News

In a new volume, “Customary Justice and the Rule of Law in War-Torn Societies” from the United States Institute of Peace, editor Deborah Isser argues that measuring customary justice systems against Western rule-of-law templates leads to strategies that fail to address the concerns of the population and impedes access to justice.

The United States Institute of Peace announces the publication of "Iraq’s Disputed Territories: A View of the Political Horizon and Implications for U.S. Policy," a new Peaceworks report that illustrates in a detailed and specific way what Iraqi-negotiated solutions to the disputed province of Kirkuk and other territories in northern Iraq might look like.

Author Sean Kane, a program officer at USIP writing in his personal capacity, draws upon two data sets -- the political preferences expressed in these territories during Iraq’s three postconstitution elections and archival records detailing these areas’ respective administrative histories -- to demystify the disputed territories that are referred to but not defined in Iraq’s constitution, and then suggests possible options for resolving their status. The author also provides recommendations for how the United States could offer a mix of diplomatic and security incentives to help shape the strategic calculus of Iraqi stakeholders in favor of entering comprehensive territorial negotiations.

The United States Institute of Peace Press announces the publication of “The Go-Between: Jan Eliasson and the Styles of Mediation,” a new book exploring international mediation through the lens of Ambassador Jan Eliasson, an international mediator with a remarkable track record.

The United States Institute of Peace announces two changes to its Iraq team, affecting operations in its Washington, D.C. and Baghdad offices. Effective immediately, Manal Omar has been named director of USIP's Iraq program, and Sean Kane has joined the team as program officer. Both will be based in the Institute's Washington, D.C. office and travel to Iraq several times a year.

Upon the expected release of the full results of Iraq’s March 7 elections today, USIP offers expert Manal Omar’s analysis of the elections, their significance for Iraq, U.S. relations and the region.

In advance of Sunday's elections in Iraq, the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) offers experts for media interviews and commentary. USIP has had an office in Baghdad since 2004 that coordinates the Institute's efforts to promote reconciliation, strengthen the Iraqi government and civil society, and engage Iraqi youth.

Speaking at an exclusive event at the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP) on July 23, 2009, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri Al-Maliki kept the door open for continuing the U.S. military presence in his country beyond 2011, when the current Status of Forces Agreement expires. “If Iraqi forces need more training and support, we will reexamine the agreement at that time, based on our own national needs,” the prime minister said through a translator, as he addressed nearly 100 audience members at USIP headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Institute of Peace Offers Context as Secretary Rice Prepares for Mideast Summits

Brenda Oppermann, policy adviser on gender and democracy issues with USAID's Iraq Reconstruction Office, will replace A. Heather Coyne as the Institute's new Chief of Party in Baghdad.