WASHINGTON—The U.S. Institute of Peace will release The Iraq Experience DVD, a richly illustrated, interactive briefing on the nation, people, culture and relevant history of Iraq for Americans assigned to the U.S. Mission in Iraq. A demonstration and samples of the DVD will be available to the press on Thursday, May 13 at 9:30 a.m. at the Institute's headquarters (1200 17th Street, N.W.). The creators of the DVD will answer questions about its value in preparing U.S. government officials and contractors for work in Iraq. Participants will include:

• Lorne W. Craner—Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights & Labor and Institute Board Member
• George F. Ward, Jr.—Director, USIP Professional Training Program
• Robert Perito—Coordinator, The Iraq Experience
• Keith Bowen—Executive Producer, The Iraq Experience

Created by the Institute's Professional Training Program, the DVD is based on candid interviews with Americans who have recently returned from Iraq. The DVD uses a documentary style to make "lessons learned" available to new employees in a format that is easily accessible, interesting and educational. Two hours of content is divided into individual topics that may be accessed interactively, including: Iraqi History, Iraqi Culture and Society, Post-War Iraq, Security Challenges, Political Transition, Economic Reconstruction, Military-Civil Affairs, and Life in the "Green Zone." Users will be able to watch the DVD in class or at home, selecting sections of interest or watching the entire program. The DVD is part of a larger Institute of Peace effort to create a database of U.S. civilian experiences and "lessons learned" in Iraq and other post-conflict stability operations.