Peace Watch

Iraq Study Group Begins Its Work

April/May 2006

ISG co-chairs Lee Hamilton and James Baker (right) address a press conference at the Institute.

The Iraq Study Group (ISG), co-chaired by James A. Baker, III, and Lee H. Hamilton, held its first working meetings on April 11–12 at the United States Institute of Peace. The bipartisan, independent group, publicly announced on Capitol Hill on March 15, was formed at the urging of several members of Congress, spearheaded by Rep. Frank Wolf. The Institute is the lead facilitator of the Study Group, together with the Center for the Study of the Presidency, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy at Rice University.

"This is important for the country," Wolf stated during the unveiling of the effort in March. "The country is divided, but a group of men and women of integrity and character [have] come together to take a fresh eye, a fresh approach [to the Iraq situation]."

Present for the initial meetings at the Institute’s headquarters were co-chairs Baker and Hamilton, Vernon E. Jordan, Jr., Sandra Day O’Connor, Leon E. Panetta, William J. Perry, and Charles S. Robb. Robert M. Gates participated by phone. Only two members were absent due to prior engagements, Rudolph W. Giuliani and Alan K. Simpson.

The group received a briefing on the situation in Iraq by Tom Fingar, chairman of the National Intelligence Council, and then discussed procedures for drawing on the expertise of specialists who will support their deliberations, as well as consulting with members of Congress and other officials.

"One of our fundamental objectives is to see if we can come together with bipartisan suggestions to see if we can be helpful to Congress and the Administration," explained Baker. He went on to express a desire to keep the work of the study group out of the political debate.

Following the briefings and discussion, the study group principals were introduced to the four expert working groups who will provide analysis in four broad areas: the strategic environment in and around Iraq; economics and reconstruction; military and security issues; and political development. More than forty experts from throughout the country are participating in the working groups and will bring a wealth of experience to the project.

"I am impressed that each member of the Iraq Study Group has a deep commitment to help the country with this extraordinary challenge," stated co-chair Hamilton during a press conference following the first day of meetings. "We know our task is difficult. We know that as we go forward, we will have to track and respond to events on the ground in Iraq. We are committed to moving forward in a spirit of bipartisanship, and—as Jim [Baker] detailed—we will be assisted by some of the best and brightest minds this nation has to offer."

The study group looks to pursue its work over the coming year. The effort has been publicly welcomed by the White House and has bipartisan support in Congress.

"The Institute is honored to have the opportunity to support the study group, together with the other co-sponsors," stated Richard Solomon, president of the Institute. "Congress was satisfied with our management of the Task Force on United Nations Reform, a study headed by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell. The Institute, as a nonpartisan, independent government organization, is a natural cosponsor for work of this nature."