The Impact of U.S. Military Drawdown in Iraq on Displaced and other Vulnerable Populations: Analysis and Recommendations
Abstract
As the United States draws down its forces in Iraq, it behooves decisionmakers to recognize that this drawdown, which started in June 2009 and continues at the time of this writing, will affect vulnerable and at-risk populations. The ways in which it does so have significant implications for the evolution of Iraq and U.S. policy interests in that country and the Middle East more broadly. Regardless of how the security situation evolves in the years to come, these issues will continue to create humanitarian challenges, and it is in U.S. interests to take steps to address them. A number of groups are at risk because of the U.S. drawdown and withdrawal, because they have depended on U.S. forces and force presence for their security over the last six years. In addition, the drawdown may exacerbate the already precarious circumstances of displaced Iraqis, both within the country and in neighboring states. That said, appropriate policies and actions can mitigate destabilizing regional scenarios and reduce the dangers faced by these populations in the years to come. Groups at particular risk as U.S. forces depart Iraq include tens of thousands of Iraqis and their families who are affiliated with the United States in any of a variety of ways. smaller minorities among Iraq's permanent citizens who have relied on U.S. forces for protection. Palestinians who took refuge in Iraq under the Saddam Hussein government. other refugee groups from outside Iraq who have taken shelter in that country over the years. the Mujeheddin e-Khalq (MEK), a cult-like dissident group from Iran that received sanctuary in Saddam Hussein?s Iraq in 1991 and whose members have since lived in their own enclave, from 2003 to early 2009 under the protection of U.S. forces.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2010
- Accession Number
- ADA515810
Entities
People
- Audro K. Grant
- Dalia D. Kaye
- Olgo Oliker
Organizations
- RAND Corporation