Release of an Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) Policy Briefing

The Australian Strategic Policy Institute today released a paper on postwar Iraq from a distinctively Australian perspective. 

Australia shares initial responsibility for the reconstruction of postwar Iraq with the other members of the Coalition. The way we discharge our share of the responsibility will be critical to a number of key Australian interests. 

This paper analyses Australia’s interests and the key challenges facing the Coalition in postwar Iraq. These challenges include the provision of humanitarian assistance, the restoration of order, the fashioning of the political framework, and economic reform and development. 

The paper also sets out several policy parameters that can guide Australia’s approach in postwar Iraq. These parameters include:

· Work fast 
· Engage Iraq’s neighbours
· Spread the load – draw in the UN, Europe and Japan
· Progress peace between Israel and the Palestinians
· Work with our partners and put our views clearly
· Set a limit on our commitment
· Look beyond the current crisis to our future interests. 

The paper was prepared by Dr Elsina Wainwright, Program Director of ASPI’s Strategy and International Program, with the assistance of contributors Dr Robert Bowker, from the Centre for Defence and Strategic Studies at the Australian Defence College, and Professor Robert O’Neill, Chairman of ASPI.