The transfer of sovereignty to the interim Iraqi government today – two days ahead of the scheduled date – presents both opportunities and challenges for building a stable, secure and democratic nation. A new report released today by the Center for American Progress argues that the new government must give ordinary Iraqis a real voice in shaping their collective future; provide a stable and functioning economy that provides basic services; and ensure that the nation does not pose a threat to the region by supporting terrorism or proliferating nuclear, biological or chemical weapons or materials. Primary recommendations include:

• Increase the troop level of the multinational force to improve security at critical milestones. Iraq remains a dangerous and unsecured nation that will require substantial troop commitments between now and the January 2005 elections. The current troop level of 138,000 United States soldiers should be maintained at least until the elections. The central mission of U.S. forces should be to support Iraqi efforts to provide for Iraq's own security. International programs to provide training and equipment must be expanded, improved and accelerated.
• Set up an international Iraq Contact Group to develop a strategy to support the elections and transition process. The United States must do everything possible to take its fingerprints off the internal political affairs of Iraq. The United Nations should replace the United States as the lead facilitator of the political transition.
• Invest greater authority in Iraqis for the management of United States reconstruction funds. The United States should first allocate at least $2 billion of the remaining reconstruction funds to an Iraqi-led foundation. Second, Ambassador Negroponte should provide a mechanism to allow Iraqis to set their own priorities in reconstruction and provide recommendations on how the funds are spent. And third, contracts should be opened to local NGO's and businesses to bid independently and not through U.S. companies.

Click here to read the full report entitled, "Iraq After June 30: A Strategy for Progress."

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