Publication

This commentary analyzes US policy since the country's intervention in Iraq in 2003 to see what lessons can be learned for future operations abroad. In particular, the author argues that the US experience in Iraq should teach its leaders to have an overall strategy for interventions, to broker inclusive peace settlements, to build long-term relationships, and to work regionally with allies. She concludes that counterinsurgency tactics cannot bring sustainable success for operations in the absence of political solutions.