Viable Peace in Iraq Remains Elusive as Sectarian Conflict Remains a Real Threat, Concludes The Fund for Peace in a New Report
October 7, 2009In A Viable Peace?, the ninth report in its series tracking progress in Iraq, The Fund for Peace (FfP) warns that Iraq still risks a return to serious conflict if deep-seated inequalities and political divisions are not addressed. The report covers the period July 2008 to August 2009. In its previous report, "The Surge: What Comes Next?" the FfP concluded that the "surge" of 30,000 American troops had been less successful at achieving the overarching political goals of sectarian reconciliation, economic development and good governance than in reaching military goals.(1) The same largely holds true one year later, despite improvements in security. Though casualty figures have fallen dramatically since they peaked in 2004-2006, violence persists, including a post-surge rise in bombing and assassinations as the U.S. draws down its troops and the country prepares for another election in January, 2010. Full release.