Ending the Conflict in Iraq -- Is Partition the Answer?

Abstract

This paper examines current and recent literature on the employment of partition within conflict-laden nations as a means of ending hostilities and promoting long-term peace. This framework is then used to explore the situation in Iraq and answer the question put forth in the paper's title. In November 2005, the National Security Council published the "National Strategy for Victory in Iraq," which broadly lays out the U.S. policy for helping Iraq establish a stable, secure, democratic state. The document focuses on high-level U.S. plans and strategy that will be implemented to achieve victory in terms of U.S. interests. One specified U.S. interest is long-term peace in Iraq. However, the document stops short of describing steps that the world community, and specifically Iraq, should take to secure a lasting peace that will endure well beyond direct U.S. military involvement in Iraq. As sectarian violence in Iraq appears to steadily increase, one such action that has received significant attention is the potential for ending that violence by partitioning the country. This paper discusses the benefits and shortcomings of partitioning that are presented in the literature. Next, it looks at the specific situation in Iraq and describes the strengths and weaknesses associated with a partitioned Iraq. Are the goals and demands of Shiites, Sunnis, and Kurds different enough to warrant partitioning as a solution? Specific issues addressed include the following: (1) the role that resources (namely oil and food) play in the decision, (2) the role of the U.S. military during and after partition, (3) roles for the world community/United Nations, and (4) where would the partitions occur and how would they be secured? The paper concludes with recommendations and considerations on partition and related conflict resolution efforts.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 30, 2007
Accession Number
ADA493639

Entities

People

  • David W. Riggins

Organizations

  • University of Texas at Austin

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Autonomy
  • Counter WMD
  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Civil War
  • Ethnic Groups
  • Geographic Regions
  • Governments
  • Intergovernmental Organizations
  • International Organizations
  • International Relations
  • Kurds
  • Minority Groups
  • National Governments
  • National Politics
  • National Security
  • Sectarian Violence
  • Security
  • Terrorism
  • Terrorists
  • War Colleges

Fields of Study

  • Sociology

Readers

  • Military and Counterinsurgency Studies.
  • Regression Analysis.
  • Strategic Security Studies