Where is Iraq Heading? Lessons from Basra

What follows is the Executive Summary of the International Crisis Group's Middle East Report No: 67, which was released on June 25, 2002. The security plan implemented by coalition forces under the name of Operation Sinbad in the Iraqi city of Basra has important, though unfortunately negative, lessons for dealing with Baghdad & the country as a whole. What the British called "clear, hold, & civil reconstruction" & the US called "clear, hold, & build" as a way to pave the way for Iraqi forces to take over proved to be a failure -- a clear example of what to avoid. Iraq has become a failed state. Suggestions for rebuilding it into a functioning & legitimate state are offered. S. Stanton