Iraq: Political Progress Visible

At Foreign Policy’s Middle East Channel today, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East Colin Kahl writes that as U.S. engagement with Iraq transitions “from a primarily military-led effort…to a civilian-led one,” the U.S. approach will focus on the ”whole-of-government.” He notes that the distribution of power in Iraq is decided through “a viable political process” rather than violence, and points to the fact that most factions and communal groups assert themselves through political means as an indicator of progress. To ensure that Iraq’s democratic system continues to develop, Kahn highlights the need for an inclusive and representative government that is responsive to its citizens. Amidst a political climate that he characterizes as distrustful, Kahl calls on Iraqi politicians to compromise.

Kahl argues that, moving forward, it is important for the U.S. to support the development of a “just, representative, and accountable state” in Iraq, and that U.S. engagement with Iraq should be based on “diplomatic, cultural, economic, scientific, and security ties.” Kahl concludes: “In a region still characterized by too little political freedom and respect for human rights…the Iraqi commitment to the political process is real.”