OUR OWN ROADMAP FOR PEACE?

A team of reconstruction experts led by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) spent 12 days traveling through much of Iraq to research the report. Although many of the recommendations in the report’s shopping list were predictable (the need for dependable utility services, jobs, etc.), the underlying central theme of the report is that the U.S. is going to have to put its money where its mouth is – and very soon:

Among its recommendations:

Develop a series of work initiatives to keep Iraqis from being idle, with a particular emphasis on young, urban populations.

Get and keep state-owned enterprises up and running in the short-term to provide employment, while developing a clear medium and long-term plan for privatizing those enterprises.

Start micro-credit programs in all provinces immediately, placing a special emphasis on lending to women.

The CPA should do whatever is necessary to improve provision of basic services, such as electricity, water, and sanitation.

Begin developing follow-on for the oil-for-food program, as a food shortage caused by any disruption will cause a national protest. This must include the transparent handling of obligated resources under the program.

The CPA should involve Iraqis personally in the success of Iraq’s oil industry. Personal bank accounts or trust funds funded by oil revenues should be developed, to catalyze the banking system and get cash to the public.