Iraq and Its Neighbors
Iraq's neighbors are playing a major roleboth positive and negativein the stabilization and reconstruction of "the new Iraq."
In an effort to prevent conflict across Iraq's borders and in order to promote positive international and regional engagement, USIP has initiated high-level, non-official dialogue between foreign policy and national security figures from Iraq and the neighboring states. The Marmara Declaration, a blueprint for a regional peace process for Iraq, was the product of the Institute's most recent dialogue in Turkey.
Moreover, as part of the overall "Iraq and Its Neighbors" project, a group of leading specialists on the geopolitics of the region and on the domestic politics of the individual countries is assessing the interests and influence of the countries surrounding Iraq. In addition, these specialists are examining how the situation in Iraq and across its borders impacts U.S. bilateral relations with the neighbors.
The project has produced a series of in-depth research reports, as well as ongoing public forums and media commentary. The studies are available free-of-charge, and can be accessed below.
The "Iraq and Its Neighbors" project is directed by Scott Lasensky of USIP's Center for Conflict Analysis and Prevention.
Special Reports
An upcoming report will focus on:
- Syria and Iraq
Steve Simon, Council on Foreign Relations
Other Related Materials:
- Media and Conflict in Iraq
Conference held in Istanbul, May 14-16, 2008
- Make Sharm el-Sheikh the Turning Point for Region
Op-Ed on Post Global by by Yasar Yakis, Ghassan al-Atiyyah, Khalid al-Dakhil and Scott Lasensky, May 1, 2007
- Marmara Declaration
High-level policymakers and civil society leaders from Iraq and its six neighboring countries met in Istanbul and released the 36-point "Marmara Declaration" on a regional peace process for Iraq. (March 23, 2007)
- Talks Open Doors for Iraq and Its Neighbors
NPR interviews Scott Lasensky on March 11, 2007, on the Bush administration's move toward conducting talks with Iran and Syria, and what these talks mean for Iraq and its neighbors.
- Iraq, its Neighbors, and the U.S. - Research and Experts Available to Journalists
News Release, March 1, 2007
- Iraq Turmoil Makes Neighbors Nervous
NPR interviews Scott Lasensky on October 29, 2006, on why Iraq's neighboring countries have a stake in Iraq's conflict.
- Jordan's Role in Iraq is Modest, but Positive
Op-Ed in the Daily Star by Scott Lasensky, December 19, 2005
- An Opening at Sharm el-Sheikh
Op-Ed in the Daily Star by Scott Lasensky and Phebe Marr, November 20, 2004
- Iraq and Its Neighbors: Implications for U.S. Policy Background Memos
by Henri Barkey, Phebe Marr, Geoffrey Kemp, Scott Lasensky, and Joseph McMillan, November 17, 2004
- Iraq and Its Neighbors: A Regional Architecture is Needed
USIPeace Briefing by Matthew Crane and Daniel Serwer, February 26, 2004
- Iraq's Neighbors: Help or Hindrance? The Missing Dimension of Iraqi Reconstruction
Newsbyte by Ylber Bajraktari, Daniel Serwer and Tamara Cofman Wittes, July 30, 2003