Published August 22, 2012 By Felipe Umaña Briefing CCPPR12IQ Report available in PDF and Flash formats

Iraq faced a tumultuous quarter-century under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, finding itself and its population ravaged by wars carried out against neighbors and foreign powers alike. The effects of its war-torn society have left an indelible mark on its politics and have significantly limited its economic output. Years of American military intervention has also greatly shaped the country’s current conditions. Marked by the Persian Gulf War of 1991 and the U.S.-led invasion of 2003, the course of Iraq’s history has been changed forever by external intervention. A fragmented democracy and pervasive social divisions are thus symptomatic of its besieged past.

An important transition began in 2011 when the Iraqi government took greater control of the country following the withdrawal of the coalition forces. However, the continuation of sectarian violence has slowed any substantial reform, and preexisting prejudices instill distrust amongst several ethnic groups. Furthermore, the damaged oil infrastructure and continued disputes over the administration of oil fields between Baghdad and the Kurdish authorities are obstacles to the increase of oil revenues. The almost decade-long war has stymied virtually all forms of development. Other challenges include widespread corruption, low foreign investment, and a severely damaged transportation infrastructure.

Previous Profiles for Iraq: 2011

View the Full Report

Download the Report in PDF Format

Latest Update: 2012-08 Felipe Umaña
Previous Update: 2011-11 Ed Nagle

Copyright (C) The Fund for Peace