http://worldcat.org/entity/work/id/836778365

Iraq and the United States creating a strategic partnership

It is far too early to say that Iraq can achieve lasting security and stability, maintain a pluralistic form of government, or avoid becoming caught up in another violent round of internal or regional power struggles. Iraq's success will depend largely on Iraq's leaders and their decisions. Iraq is now a fully sovereign state that is rapidly assuming responsibility for every aspect of its policy and security. The United States can, however, play a constructive role in helping Iraq as it reduces its aid programs and withdraws its forces. The U.S.-Iraqi Strategic Framework Agreement (SFA) provides a potential framework to build upon that can serve both nations' strategic interests. It also provides a mechanism through which the United States can help Iraq during the critical period in which it chooses a new government, increases its petroleum exports and national income, deals with remaining elements of insurgency and internal conflict, and develops the capabilities necessary to deter any threat from its neighbors. In fact, unless it makes effective use of the agreement to help Iraq during the withdrawal of its forces between 2010 and 2011, and unless it provides effective aid and advice during the critical transition period that follows, the United States runs a serious risk of seeing Iraq fail -- in political accommodation, in developing effective governance and security forces, and in creating a climate where it can begin to fund its own economic development. The result could be an Iraq too weak and too divided to achieve either security or stability.

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