Publication

This working paper assesses the impact on Iraqi politics of the US military surge that began in February 2007. The military surge was undertaken with the rationale that reducing sectarian violence and curtailing insurgency would create space for political and social groups to engage in reconciliation and reach agreements on policy issues. The author examines the security situation in and around Baghdad, the impact of power relations between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims, state paralysis and the federalist structure of the state, suggesting that the outcome of the surge is not as great as was hoped. There is a necessity to move away from identity politics and favoritism, and to strengthen weak provincial government.