Publication

Based on evidence from the occupation of Germany, Japan and Afghanistan, this paper draws conclusions for US policy in Iraq. The paper assesses difficulties and problems ahead of peace in Iraq and outlines features of the occupational regimes in Germany, Japan and Afghanistan. Subsequently, the paper derives implications from these earlier occupations and asks whether and how they are applicable in Iraq. The paper argues that US success in Iraq will be at least as difficult to accomplish as in Germany and Japan and a far more intricate task than the limited engagement in Afghanistan.