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Challenges in Nationbuilding: US Democracy Efforts in Iraqi Politics

This critical analysis explores Iraq's political, cultural, and religious dynamics and evaluates US reconstruction efforts in the aftermath of the invasion. It delves into obstacles hindering the establishment of a liberal democracy in Iraq following Saddam Hussein's regime. The paper examines the interplay between leadership, cultural composition, and religious divisions in Iraq, alongside the effectiveness of military and civilian nationbuilding strategies. Key themes include political succession, cultural demographics, and religious power dynamics, shedding light on the complexities of rebuilding a nation torn by warfare and instability.

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Challenges in Nationbuilding: US Democracy Efforts in Iraqi Politics

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  1. Law of Nationbuilding TOPIC: A Critical Analysis of US Efforts to Build Democracy in the Iraqi Political Environment Joel Roberson Fall 2006

  2. GOALS OF THE PAPER Critically evaluate the following three themes… • Iraqi Political Environment: Develop a historically accurate description of the interplay between political, cultural, and religious influences in Iraq • US Political Invention: Analyze the effectiveness of the first three years of US military and civilian rebuilding of Iraq • Obstacles to Success: Describe the obstacles that stand in the way of the creation of a liberal democracy in Iraq

  3. POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT • Political Leadership: Saddam Hussein and the Baath party controlled all political leadership. • Prevented the development of a political successor to Saddam. • Created a culture of fear and stifled political dissent. • Political Exiles: The only alternative leaders had been outside Iraq for over ten years and were highly motivated to see regime change in Iraq.

  4. CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT • Iraq consists of approximately: • 75% Arabs • 20% Kurds • 5% Other (Turkoman, Assyrian, etc) • In 1988, Saddam reportedly used chemical weapons to subdue the Kurdish north. • In 1992, Saddam eventually withdrew his military from Kurdish territory and allowed the Kurds a degree of self-rule.

  5. RELIGIOUS ENVIRONMENT • Iraq consists of approximately: • 97% Muslim • 60% Shi’a • 37% Sunni • 3% Other (Christian, etc) • Saddam’s Baath party helped elevate Sunnis to positions of power in Iraq • Under a federal democracy, Shiites stand to gain more political power.

  6. MILITARY REBUILDING • After a brief formal ground offensive, the military initiated the infrastructure and political rebuilding efforts out of necessity. • Rebuilt bridges, roads, and airports so they could continue operations. • Dissolved the Baathist party. • Installed local leaders to replace Baathists. • Due to sustained instability on the ground, the military was forced to implement nationbuilding policies without having any role in creating the policy behind it.

  7. CIVILIAN REBUILDING • The Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) was established to orchestrate nationbuilding in Iraq during the occupation. • Security concerns forced the CPA policy makers to remain within the safety of the Green Zone while directing policy for the entire nation. • A number of the policies adopted by the CPA – particularly disbanding the Iraqi military and “de-Baathification” – have been heavily criticized.

  8. ONGOING OBSTACLES • Salve sectarian differences or split into three separate nations. • Overcome the Insurgency or create a weak nation state susceptible to terror. • Avoid excessive Iranian meddling or risk the development of an authoritarian regime. • Maintain the viability of US imposed institutions or start over from scratch.

  9. RESOURCES • Noah Feldman, What We Owe Iraq • Peter Galbraith, End of Iraq • George Packer, Assassin’s Gate • Rory Stewart, Prince of Marshes • Wealth of articles, law reviews, and position papers…

  10. REQUEST FOR HELP • Good resources on the Iraq political structure under Saddam? • Constitutional experts evaluating the viability of the new Iraqi constitution? • Contacts in the DOD or State Department with first-hand knowledge? • Any missing angles from the proposed goals of my paper?

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