How to Talk About War
A Path Forward in Iraq
- Iraq is a humanitarian
catastrophe, with elements far beyond a war and
occupation. The country is
crippled by sectarian violence, death squads,
kidnappings and criminal gangs. Deteriorating
basic services, including a collapse of the
health care system, lack of electricity and
potable water, and personal and economic
insecurity, makes orderly daily life for Iraqis
nearly impossible. Military blockades and
raids, sieges, secret detention centers, and
imprisonment without charge or trial have
caused many to leave Iraq.
- The refugee and
displacement crisis is a regional and
international issue with no military solution.
Foreign military intervention has
exacerbated the humanitarian catastrophe. A
comprehensive regional political solution is
essential for a future of peace in Iraq, the
region, and the U.S.
- More than 4.5 million
Iraqis have been displaced by the war and
occupation; more than 2 million have left the
country seeking safety. This
represents the largest refugee flow in the
Middle East since the establishment of Israel
and the forced displacement of Palestinians in
1948. The people and governments of the region
are responding to the crisis of Iraqi refugees
through the experience of a Palestinian refugee
population that has grown over 60 years of
exile and remains a source of regional unrest.
- The path to peace in Iraq
must include creating conditions for the safe
and voluntary return of Iraqi
displaced, including those
displaced internally and refugees outside the
country. Security, legal support, and economic
opportunities are not yet available in
Iraq. Poor living conditions, as well as
a lack of legal status and economic
opportunities within host countries are pushing
Iraqis to return.
- The U.S. has a binding
moral and legal responsibility to all Iraqis.
The complete withdrawal of U.S.
and Coalition forces is a moral and political
necessity and an important first step.
Diplomacy and support for new UN, Arab League
and other regional political initiatives are
necessary next steps. Substantial long-term and
transparent funding for humanitarian relief,
reparations, and Iraqi-led reconstruction
efforts will then begin to fulfill the needs
and hopes of Iraqis.
- Humanitarian necessity
dictates significant refugee resettlement of
the most vulnerable refugees to other
countries. Pressure to grant
asylum to Iraqi refugees will continue to grow
as Jordan and Syria feel the strain of
supporting more than 2 million refugees.
The United States should lead by example. It
should accept the largest number of refugees
and provide substantial assistance to
humanitarian agencies helping refugees. The
U.S. also should provide direct financial
support to the countries hosting the largest
number of refugees.
- In U.S. advocacy efforts,
primary attention must be paid to building
relationships with Iraqis and listening to what
they have to say. Only the Iraqi
people can establish security and build a
future for their country. This includes
Iraqi refugees and the internally displaced,
who are critical players in Iraq's future. It
is an important step toward regional stability.