Democracy and Elections

The Next Phase in America's Relationship with Iraq

Posted Thu, 08/12/2010 - 10:34am
Date: 
Aug 17 (12:30pm - 2:30pm)

A conversation with:

Nathaniel Fick
CEO of Center for a New American Security

Michael Corbin
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iraq

Dr. Colin Kahl
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East

RSVP online here.   President Obama’s speech in early August heralded the end of U.S. combat operations in Iraq, but U.S. engagement in the country is far from over. As the military draws down, our nation’s diplomats are preparing to expand their role and take the lead in providing guidance and assistance to Iraqis as they build a stable future for their country. However, the transition of responsibility from the Department of Defense to the Department of State in a resource-constrained environment presents challenges for the government in meeting U.S. foreign policy objectives and managing the thousands of contractors needed to provide security and other services necessary for State to operate in Iraq.

Next Tuesday, August 17, 2010, the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) will host a moderated discussion that will address these questions with two leading Administration officials on Iraq: Michael Corbin, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iraq, and Dr. Colin Kahl, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East. CNAS Chief Executive Officer Nathaniel Fick, a national security expert and veteran of the Iraq war, will moderate the conversation.
 

Please note the event will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m.   RSVP:
RSVP online here.
Or, call 202.457.9427 ###
 The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is an independent and nonpartisan research institution that develops strong, pragmatic and principled national security and defense policies that promote and protect American interests and values. CNAS leads efforts to help inform and prepare the national security leaders of today and tomorrow.

Achieving Progress in Afghanistan: The Political Dimension

Posted Thu, 07/01/2010 - 11:53am
Date: 
Jul 8 (2:30pm - 4:00pm)

On Thursday 8 July 2010 Alistair Burt, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, FCO, Homayoun Tandar, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and  Sir William Patey, British Ambassador to Afghanistan will discuss “Achieving Progress in Afghanistan: The Political Dimension” from 2:30-4pm.

The Kabul Conference on 20 July will review progress made towards the fulfilment of commitments and objectives set out at the London Conference in January, covering important governance, development and security policy priorities. At the same time, there has in recent months been a growing recognition in many policy circles that these various goals cannot be reached by exclusively or even predominantly military means, but instead require a highly developed political strategy embracing constituencies and stakeholders in Afghanistan and the wider region.  This discussion meeting will focus on the political requirements for achieving progress in securing, stabilising and building the capacities of Afghan state and society. 

This discussion will be moderated by Dr John Chipman CMG, Director-General and Chief Executive, IISS. It will take place in the Lee Kuan Yew Conference Room at Arundel House, 13–15 Arundel Street, Temple Place, London WC2R 3DX.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP Caitlin Brennan at: brannan@iiss.org.

USIP: Iraq on the Eve of National Elections: A Discussion with Ambassador Christopher Hill

Posted Fri, 02/12/2010 - 2:31pm
Date: 
Feb 17 (10:00am - 12:00pm)

USIP: Iraq on the Eve of National Elections: A Discussion with Ambassador Christopher Hill

With national elections just around the corner on March 7, Iraq once again finds itself at a critical crossroads in determining what sort of society it wants and the extent to which truly representative politics will be central to that concept. Given the importance of a successful election to its plan for full withdrawal by 2012, so does the United States. A positive bar was set by provincial elections in January 2009 but the path since has been very bumpy indeed, with a rancorous election law debate, attempts to exclude large numbers of candidates and ongoing terrorist attacks that threaten stability and the credibility of the Iraqi government. Can Iraq carry this event off safely and fairly? What is the role of the U.S. and the international community in assisting? What are the challenges to forming a stable government in the aftermath?


Ambassador Hill will offer remarks on these and other issues critical to Iraq's future and take your questions. This event will also be webcast live on February 12, 2010 beginning at 10:00am EST. Please check back here for more information.


Speakers



  • Ambassador Christopher Hill
    United States Ambassador to Iraq

  • Dr. Richard H. Solomon, Introductory Remarks
    President, United States Institute of Peace

  • William B. Taylor, Moderator
    Vice President, Center for Post-Conflict Peace and Stability Operations, United States Institute of Peace

RSVP at USIP.org

Syndicate content