| ID | 099897 |
| Title Proper | Political parameters of post-withdrawal Iraq |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Stansfield, Gareth |
| Publication | 2010. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | The withdrawal of US combat forces presents new challenges and opportunities for Iraqis over the coming months and years. This special issue of International Affairs seeks to provide an assessment and analysis of many of these challenges and opportunities from the perspective of Iraqi actors, while also considering the interests of the wider regional and international community. Iraq remains important, fundamentally so. The main challenges that now face Iraqi leaders are not of recent origin but have never been fully confronted-to some degree the US presence has acted to ameliorate tensions at difficult times and helped to find compromise solutions that have left situations calm but also put on hold. The articles in this special issue focus on a range of these challenges, questioning orthodox views on Iraqi political development and considering the possibilities that lie ahead. They present not only 'post-American Iraq' but also 'post-Iraq America'. By facing these challenges successfully, political, economic and social opportunities clearly unfold. These opportunities, if exploited to the full, would see Iraq's security become normalized, its economy and social structures repaired, and the prominence of the country in international affairs as a constructive rather than destructive force increased. However, the reverse of this is also starkly apparent. The failure of Iraqi leaders to meet the challenges may present very serious problems in the near future-problems possibly made all the more severe due to the lack of a US military presence and the perceived weakening of US will to impose itself on the political direction of the country. |
| `In' analytical Note | International Affairs Vol. 86, No. 6; Nov 2010: p.1261-1267 |
| Journal Source | International Affairs Vol: 86 No 6 |
| Key Words | Political Marameters ; Post - Withdrawal Iraq ; US Combat Forces ; International Community ; Iraq ; US Military Presence ; United States |