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Conference Summary
Stabilization and Reconstruction: Closing the Civilian-Military Gap
The Special Case of Iraq: Lessons Learned
As one might expect, a number of speakers and panelists made specific reference to the Iraq experience. Since that experience is so important to present and future S/R, we summarize some of the major points made below:
- Given the experience in Iraq and the possibilities of future interventions, more attention needs to be placed on improving infrastructure security. In Iraq, the US has under funded this priority. Because of insurgent and criminal attacks on the infrastructure, as well as its already deteriorated condition, earlier cost estimates were too low and much more funds are needed.
- Closing the reconstruction gap. Clearly, we will not be able to follow through on our original reconstruction intentions. However, it is particularly important to provide funds to sustain Iraq’s infrastructure and develop Iraqi capacities to manage projects.
- The oil and gas sector is crucial. Oil revenue is needed so we need to get that sector up and running and provide funds for non-oil rehabilitation.
- There is a need for expanding the fight against corruption. Corruption is endemic to Iraq and could undermine all our efforts. Theft, corruption, and smuggling in the Ministries of Defense, Interior and Oil can only be countered by building up incipient institutions and through joint efforts to hold Iraqi ministries accountable. The US has spent less than .5 percent of the total budget on anti-corruption, and this must increase.
- There continues to be a need to multi-lateralize the reconstruction effort. The US has provided $30 billion in grants. At the Madrid conference, $13 billion was promised from other nations but only $3 billion has come in. There needs to be a recommitment from the EU, the World Bank and the UN, through targeted and focused loan programs. The international community must show that the world is committed to success of this fledgling democracy.
- There is a need to focus on civilian contractor issues. One study found that high turnover over-burdened contractors and inconsistent tour lengths among agencies created overlap problems. Different policies and procedures among agencies created dissonance. There needs to be a fixed tour length, and U.S. government staff needs to be well trained in contracting, program management, and systems.
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