Publication

This paper discusses the potential results of the US military "surge" initiated in mid-2007 in Baghdad and neighboring Iraqi provinces. The author examines the progress made toward political reconciliation. She argues that in addition to the political stalemate in Baghdad, Iraq will face three other potentially explosive political events: provincial elections, a controversial census and a referendum to determine who will govern oil-rich Kirkuk. To build on the achievements of the military surge, she outlines four priorities the US should concentrate on.