Partitioning for Peace

Combining a history of Iraq and its dominant sects with an acute awareness of the political machinations fomenting worldwide, this keen military analysis offers a practical exit strategy for U.S. armed forces in Iraq. Since the history of violence in multi-ethno-sectarian states indicates that such conflicts usually resurface once an occupying force leaves, a solution to end the violence and stabilize the country must be geographically reasonable for sectarian groupings. Ivan Eland explains why partitioning, a solution that has been successful in other chaotic political situations, can be a uniquely effective political and military exit strategy for a country like Iraq. Finally, Dr. Eland documents fifteen lessons that can be learned from previous partitions during the 20th and 21st centuries and applies them directly to the current situation in Iraq.