Publication

This report asks what steps are necessary to establish a legitimate and representative political process in Iraq after the fall of Saddam and after several failed attempts to start a successful and stable political transition. The paper introduces the situation, outlines the political dilemma and surveys the available political options. Furthermore, the paper discusses the proposal from UN Special Adviser Lakhdar Brahimi and explores the challenges ahead of Iraq. The paper argues that fundamental change is needed and that for the moment only a limited transfer of sovereignty to the Iraqis is advisable.