Iraq Study Group Recommendations

The

Iraq Study Group Report's Recommendations Sections gives a total of 79

recommendations for how the US should proceed in Iraq.  Diplomatically,

the US should do more by launching the New Diplomatic Offensive

accompanied by the creation of a Support Group (full of regional and

world powers) in order to discuss and compromise on a variety of

issues.  This support group should include Iran and Syria because, even

though the White House has problems with their respective governments,

both countries would benefit from negotiating since both countries put

a lot of effort into Iraq. 

Also, the US should threaten withdrawal whenever the Iraqi Government

does not reach its benchmarks on time (these include the ratification

of the Petroleum Law, the Militia Law, etc.).  Even if it does reach

these benchmarks, though, the US should begin a gradual rollback of

forces.  First, active combat forces should be moved into Iraqi Army

Brigade protection roles, Iraqi Army training roles, and Iraqi Army

support roles (Special Operations, Air Support, etc.).  Then, these

training forces should also be slowly pulled out of Iraq as the Iraqi

security forces gain more power.  By early 2008, the US should be 100%

training and 0% occupation. 

The Iraq Study Group

is a bipartisan commission led by James Baker and Lee Hamilton. This

episode summarizes the recommendations section of the Iraq Study Group

Report. The previous episode featured the Iraq Study Group's assessment of the current situation.

For more information, read: Iraq Study Group Report

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