June 24, 2011

Since 2003, the constant refrain in Iraq has been that the next few months are critical. Indeed, while Iraq has made substantial progress over the past several years in security and political realms, the issues now facing the country seem as great as ever. Iraq is transitioning to a civilian-led mission as U.S. troops prepare to completely leave the country by December 2011. Meanwhile, the surrounding region is in the midst of a once-in-a generation upheaval. In line with this spirit of the Arab Spring, Iraqi citizens are protesting poor service delivery and corruption in the government. These events beyond Iraq’s borders are also inspiring national political debate among competing parties about government performance and whether or not to request some U.S. troops to remain beyond the deadline.

Having maintained a permanent field office in Baghdad since 2004, USIP has sought to flexibly respond to immediate challenges to peace and security in Iraq while staying focused on developing the long-term capacities of Iraqi institutions and groups to prevent, manage and productively resolve conflict. As recent events in the Middle East demonstrate, these capabilities are indispensible to productively respond to popular needs, expectations and aspirations.

Against this backdrop, a senior USIP team from Washington, D.C. and Baghdad in late June met with male and female Iraqi leaders from across the country's diverse political spectrum as well as with Iraqi youth, civil society and representatives of vulnerable minority groups. The meetings provided the opportunity to discuss decision-making in the Iraqi government, including filling the important posts of the Ministries of Defense and Interior and defining the relationship with the United States after the expiration of the current Security Agreement later this year. Importantly, the delegation sought to discuss these important matters not just with political leaders but also the next generation of Iraqi youth, civil society watchdogs and Iraq's ancient minority communities.

USIP also briefed Iraqi leaders and U.S. Embassy staff in Baghdad on the Institute's projects and programs in Iraq, which are centered around three main goals:

• Building the capacity of civil society, marginalized groups, and community and national leaders to enhance inter-communal engagement and reconciliation;
• Enhancing the capability of public institutions to manage conflict peacefully and govern in ways that promote inter-communal understanding; and
• Empowering the next generation as a force for moderation by giving them the tools to bridge ethnic and religious divides and take active roles as Iraqi citizens.

Substantial support was expressed for USIP's efforts in the country, with valuable feedback and suggestions of areas for increased collaboration and coordination provided.

Explore Further

• Countries and Regions: Iraq