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U.S. Policy Options for Iraq
A Reassessment
Iraq is the most pressing national security issue facing the United States today. This book evaluates the costs and benefits of five alternative strategies the United States could pursue in Iraq. The authors argue that, as long as the United States remains in Iraq, policy actions must focus on improving the security of Iraq’s population by reducing violence. They offer recommendations for ways in which U.S. political, security, and economic policies in Iraq could be better geared to support this goal, though they emphasize the challenges inherent in this endeavor. Specific recommendations focus on embedding and vetting efforts for both forces and government structures and on targeting economic assistance more effectively. The authors also suggest policies that might be implemented if violence subsides — but that should not be undertaken unless and until it does. The book concludes with a discussion of next steps if the United States decides to withdraw from Iraq, arguing that the United States needs to prepare now to mitigate the effects of failure.
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Pages: 102
ISBN/EAN: 978-0-8330-4168-5
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Contents
Chapter One:
Introduction
Chapter Two:
Defining and Assessing Alternative Strategies for Iraq
Chapter Three:
Political Suasion
Chapter Four:
Security: Targeting Aid and Influence
Chapter Five:
How Economic Policies Can Help
Chapter Six:
Policy Priorities If — and Only If — Violence Declines
Chapter Seven:
Next Steps If Violence Fails to Decline
The research described in this report was sponsored by the United States Air Force and conducted by RAND Project AIR FORCE.
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