Iraq's Neighbors: How Regional Diplomacy Will Influence Iraq

Christopher M. Blanchard | Congressional Research Service | 2009-10-06

This report from the Congressional Research Service explores how regional policies will contribute to the future stability of Iraq in light of United States troop withdrawal.

"Iraq's neighbors have influenced events in Iraq since the fall of the Saddam Hussein regime in 2003, and developments in Iraq have had political, economic, and security implications for Iraq's neighbors and the broader Middle East. Lower levels of violence in Iraq and the planned drawdown of U.S. forces in Iraq are fueling consideration of Iraq's future and the current and potential policies by Iraq's neighbors. Policy makers and observers are now considering several potential "Iraq scenarios," ranging from the resolution of outstanding Iraqi political disputes and the successful consolidation of Iraq's government and security forces, to a competition among Iraq's neighbors for influence in Iraq or the return to widespread civil violence."