An Enduring American Commitment in Iraq: Shaping a Long-Term Strategy with Iraqi Army Partners

Abstract

In this Perspective, senior political scientist Ben Connable argues that the United States should make a full and enduring commitment to Iraq by providing robust, long-term assistance to the Iraqi Army. A clear-eyed look at the current situation in Iraq suggests that early 2020 could represent a turning point for U.S. policy. U.S. military and diplomatic influence is arguably as strong as it has been since the 2011 withdrawal, but Iraq's urgent need for U.S. military assistance may not endure. Competition from Iran, Russia, and China in Iraq and across the Middle East is fierce. All three of these countries may offer more-appealing deals than the United States. It is time to make a full and enduring commitment to Iraq before fleeting opportunities are lost. Risks and benefits should be weighed carefully, but quickly. The best way to establish that commitment is through robust, long-term assistance to the Iraqi Army.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2020
Accession Number
AD1126424

Entities

People

  • Ben Connable

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Engineered Resilient Systems
  • Human Systems
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Attack Helicopters
  • Combat Operations
  • Combat Support
  • Contingency Operations (Military)
  • Fighter Aircraft
  • Governments
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Iraqi-War
  • Military History
  • Military Organizations
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Personnel Management
  • Public Policy
  • Terrorism
  • Terrorists
  • Warfare

Readers

  • Educational Psychology
  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Military and Counterinsurgency Studies.