Inspection of Rule-of-Law Programs, Embassy Baghdad

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) identified approximately $400 million being spent by multiple federal agencies for rule-of-law programs in Iraq, in addition to $1 billion for police training. Approximately $300 million went to programs for building Iraq’s physical infrastructure for justice, and the remaining $100 million provides for a variety of capacity-building programs.

Rule of law includes the entire legal complex of a modern state, from a constitution and legislation to courts, judges, police, prisons, a commercial code, and anticorruption mechanisms. To successfully implement an emerging rule of law, these activities must proceed somewhat sequentially and not randomly.

OIG’s review yielded several major findings, including:

            • Most of the money for rule-of-law programs appears to have been well spent.

            • A fully integrated approach to rule-of-law programs in Iraq is essential and does not exist at present. An approved, integrated, adjustable strategic plan would sharpen the debate and shape the thoughts of policymakers for each stage of the process.

            • A new phase is beginning, in which the defining characteristic must be the successful transition from a U.S.-funded and directed program to a sustainable Iraqi-directed program.

            • There is less than optimal coordination within Washington, among U.S. elements in Iraq, and between Washington and Iraq. There is also a need for a coordinator in Iraq to liaise with Washington and with U.S. organizations within Iraq.

            • Basic to the success of democracy and good governance is an effective anticorruption regime. Iraq’s institutional framework for anticorruption activities is in place. However, the framework is fragile and untested and needs continued support.

            • Security requirements and logistics must be heavily factored into the current cost of activities in Iraq because these security issues detract from the efficiency and productivity of a project.

October 26, 2005