The Reconstruction of Iraq after 2003: Learning from Its Successes and Failures

Hideki Matsunaga

doi:10.1596/978-1-4648-1390-0

Abstract

Beginning in 2003, diverse and significant actors, both domestic and international, engaged in reconstruction activities in Iraq. The total budget committed to Iraq’s reconstruction was unprecedented among post conflict operations mobilized by the international community. Despite the vast sums of money spent, and the implementation of its many projects and programs, the donors and the Iraqi people view the reconstruction efforts in Iraq in a negative light. The Reconstruction of Iraq after 2003: Learning from Its Successes and Failures focuses on the period between 2003 and 2014, that is, after the United States–led invasion and overthrow of the Saddam Hussein regime, and before the sudden rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as Daesh. This book assesses several dimensions of Iraq’s reconstruction. First, it considers the response of key international actors, such as the United Nations, the World Bank, the United States, and other bilateral donors, specifically, the European Union, Japan, and the United Kingdom, as well as nongovernmental organizations. Second, it analyzes the process and results of the reconstruction of key sectors (electricity, oil, education, and health), and the interventions geared to institution building and governance reform. Pursuing effective reconstruction within the context of conflict and fragility is a formidable challenge because of the uncertain, fluid, and complex environment. Based on the experience in Iraq, how can the international community support the effectiveness and durability of reconstruction? This book identifies lessons in seven areas and offers four recommendations for international and domestic actors and citizens engaged in reconstruction activities. The Reconstruction of Iraq after 2003 is important reading for development practitioners and policy makers who are or will be engaged in reconstruction efforts in fragile and conflict-affected environments.

Highlights

Based on the lessons from Iraq, how can the international community enhance the effectiveness of reconstruction? This study offers four recommendations for the international community and external actors engaged in reconstruction activities in the future
This study is based on reports and data compiled by the Iraqi government, the United Nations, U.S government agencies, the World Bank, and other concerned parties involved in the reconstruction of Iraq
Interviews were conducted with former officials of the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), the Iraqi government, the United Nations, the U.S Agency for International Development, the U.S Department of Defense, the U.S Department of State, the World Bank, bilateral donors, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and both international and Iraqi contractors and consultants

Summary

Introduction

Pursuing effective reconstruction within contexts of conflict and fragility is a formidable challenge. It analyzes the process and results of the reconstruction of key sectors—electricity, oil, education, and health—in addition to interventions pertaining to institution building and governance reform, with a focus on decentralization, corruption, and private sector development. Years of war and economic sanctions in the 1990s had severely damaged the system by the start of the Iraq War. After 2003, the Iraqi government, with support from donors and international organizations, made a concerted effort to rebuild the country’s education system.

Results

Conclusion