Conflict Resolution in Iraq: A Two-Track Process

Abstract

Operation Iraqi Freedom was innovative flexible and achieved stunningly rapid success properly setting the stage for conflict termination and resolution. Upon announcing the transition to conflict resolution U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld revealed that the U.S.-led coalition was attempting unfamiliar and unique methods to resolve the conflict. U.S. policy in Iraq created a two-track process security and politics under the supervision of the U.S. Department of defense (DoD). This Research Project analyzes U.S. Policy in Iraq regarding conflict resolution. As is evident with the current situation in Iraq finishing a war is more problematic than starting one. Many who are personally involved with the process declare that U.S. policy has harvested tremendous success towards Iraq regaining sovereignty. Many others including the U.S. installed Iraqi Governing Council (IGO) the UN other UN Security Council members and members of the U.S. Congress however question the legitimacy of U.S. policy and the effect that it is having on reestablishing Iraqi sovereignty. This paper first examines initial U.S. policy in Iraq and its perceived strengths and weaknesses. Then it offers a solution by looking at three current policy options on the part of the U.S. the IGC and the French juxtapositioned against the historical example of three conflict resolution case studies involving the U.S. This proposal can improve legitimacy in all facets of the project produce long lasting conflict resolution in Iraq and potentially stabilize the region. In the shadows of the innovative and flexible war plan that rapidly terminated major combat operations the U.S. administration has to be bold enough to design and execute a similarly designed peace plan. Furthermore these considerations are relevant to future military interventions considering this nation's current Military Strategy and increased global commitments in a hostile strategic environment.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 03, 2004
Accession Number
ADA423318

Entities

People

  • John C. Buckley Ii

Organizations

  • United States Army War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Case Studies
  • Civil War
  • Department Of Defense
  • Governments
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Iraqi-War
  • Lessons Learned
  • Military Operations
  • National Governments
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Public Administration
  • War
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Military and Counterinsurgency Studies.
  • Strategic Security Studies