For Immediate Release, March 3, 2010
Contact: Allison Sturma, 202/429-4725

(Washington) – 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.

In addition to the Iraq program staff based in Washington, members of USIP’s Baghdad staff are in D.C. this week and available for comment on the elections, reconciliation efforts and the situation on the ground in Iraq. The Institute also has staff based in Washington that develops and implements programs in Iraq and the U.S. These staff members travel frequently to the region.

Additional resources:

• "Iraq on the Eve of National Elections: A Discussion with Ambassador Christopher Hill," USIP Public Event
  
  The video from this February 2010 public event with the U.S. ambassador to Iraq is available online.
• "Iraqi Voices Entering 2010," USIP Peace Brief
  
  This January 2010 paper examines the strength of Iraqi civil society in advance of the United States' departure.
• "Iraq Oil Politics," USIP Peace Works
  
  This January 2010 report appraises the explosive politics of Iraq’s oil wealth and opportunities to address the conundrum.
• USIP in Iraq
  
  USIP's Web page on Iraq includes summaries of the Institute's work on the ground and a complete list of USIP resources.

 ###