Small Wars Journal

What Role for Germany in Iraq?

Fri, 08/29/2008 - 8:10am
What Role for Germany in Iraq? - Christopher Chivvis of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs.

The security situation in Iraq has improved markedly. The US "Surge," along with several other factors appear to have had a positive effect. A window of opportunity has opened. Iraq's future nevertheless remains uncertain and the possibility that the situation could deteriorate into a broader regional crisis remains.

To date, debate over Iraq in Germany and Europe has focused primarily on the wisdom and success of the US-led 2003 invasion. Five years later, however, experts are beginning to recognize that the time has come for a renewed discussion of Germany's own interests in Iraq.

This paper identifies key German interests and assesses German policy options.

More at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs.