Post-Invasion Strategy

Cutting-edge analysis and comment from the world's oldest defence and security think tank
Post-Invasion Strategy
Analysis of various aspects of the post-invasion strategy, including articles on Iraqi politics and the new Iraqi army

Articles

Shi’ism, Sectarianism and Pragmatism in Post-War Iraq
The Shia have long occupied a privileged position in US political and strategic thinking about Iraq.
British forces in IraqCIMIC in Iraq
An Analysis of British-led Peace Support Operation in Iraq.
Iraq: A Job For NATO?
Recent weeks have seen calls for NATO to take on a formal role in Iraq become increasingly widespread and vociferous.
The Iraqi Kurds: A New Start or Repeat History
The US invasion has toppled the Iraqi dictatorship and increased the autonomy of the Kurds. Gareth Stansfield looks at the internal situation within the Kurdish region, the Kurdish promotion of federalism and the implications for Iraq and its neighbours.
Iraq after Saddam: Bringing the State Back
Second Guld War, Iraq, Post-Regime Change
Private Security in IraqPrivate Security Companies in an Insecure World
Private Security Companies operate in a changing context: from a situation of relative security to insecurity and a progressive mosaicization of a society.
Withdrawal Symptoms – The Next Phase in Iraq
In military terms, knowing when to break off an engagement is as important a decision for the political leadership of a country as is the conduct of any part of the battle.
Building a Constitution: Fracture Lines in the New Iraq
Drafting a constitution that meets the demands of all of Iraq’s diverse communities is overly optimistic.
More Than Meets the Eye: Iraq's 'Reconciliation Plan'
Everyone agrees that a stable Iraq ultimately relies on a national reconciliation process. So why has the Iraqi premier's reconciliation plan been met with such a feeble response?
Iraqi ArmyThe New Iraqi Army: Not Fit For Purpose
Iraq’s armed forces will be incapable of deterring a potential adversary without a permanent commitment of Coalition forces.
Photo Essay :: Iraq briefingReducing the British Military Footprint in Iraq’s South East Multi-National District
As the White House currently considers the option to ‘Redeploy and Contain’ US troops in Iraq, what options are the UK Government considering for British armed forces in the South?
Post-Election Vertigo – Quo Vadis America?
Although Bush recently described Bob Gates – his new Secretary of Defense – as an ‘agent of change’, Gates’s track record on military affairs and innovation is not strong. So it is difficult to see from where the change regarding Iraq will come.
uk/us collaboration2Divided Unions: The Allies' Split over Iraq Troop Withdrawals
The White House’s objectives in Iraq are increasingly divergent from those of its allies, domestically and internationally. As a hostile Congress attacks in Washington, the ‘coalition of the willing’ begins to dwindle.
In Arms We Trust: US ‘Post-Iraq Strategy’ in the Making?
On 29 July 2007, the Bush Administration announced plans to provide an estimated $63 billion worth of advanced weaponry to several of its key allies in the Middle East.
Security in Iraq
An assessment of the present security situation and argues that there is a very poor prospect that it will get better in the near future from the UK's former special representative to Iraq

Commentary

Petraeus report to Congress – upbeat but still a long way to go
Despite the upbeat, though sober report presented by General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker, the fact remains that the US still has no workable exit strategy other than to hope for the best and be prepared to exploit whatever favourable opportunities might arise.
Gordon Brown with troops (REUTERS)UK Troop Withdrawals
The Prime Minister’s announcement to Parliament that the UK presence in Iraq could reduce to 2500 personnel by May 2008 is in keeping with Coalition strategy and an indicator that this plan is progressing.