Use Regional Security and Diplomatic Initiatives to Contain and Resolve Iraqi Conflicts

The United States should begin intense regional and international efforts to contain, manage, and ultimately resolve each of Iraq’s conflicts. The United States should build on the suggestions of the Iraq Study Group and the steps already taken by the Bush administration to participate in regional security conferences in Baghdad and Egypt and hold bilateral discussions with Iran.

All of Iraq’s neighbors have a stake in key aspects of Iraq’s internal conflicts. The consequences of an escalated conflict in Iraq could be dire for these countries—more refugees, the possible spread of attacks by global terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda and its affi liates, and more crime and lawlessness. A sustained set of regional initiatives could help lessen the violence within Iraq and help reduce the potential threat of these conflicts spilling beyond Iraq’s borders. These initiatives include enhancing border security, boosting cooperation on regional counterterrorism efforts, and encouraging security confidence-building measures to avoid more military conflict.

For more information about the Center for American Progress’ policies on the war in Iraq, please see:

• Strategic Reset: Reclaiming Control of U.S. Security in the Middle East
• How to Redeploy: Implementing a Responsible Drawdown of U.S. Forces from Iraq