Last Train From Baghdad.

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  • Author(s): Gelb, Leslie H.
  • Source:
    Foreign Affairs. Jul/Aug2006, Vol. 85 Issue 4, p160-165. 6p.
  • Additional Information
    • Subject Terms:
      RECONSTRUCTION in the Iraq War, 2003-2011; FEDERATIONS; SUNNITES; ETHNIC conflict; NEGOTIATION; NATION building
    • Subject Terms:
      IRAQReport Available
    • Abstract:
      The article presents a response to Stephen Biddle's "Seeing Baghdad, Thinking Saigon," in the March/April 2006 issue. The article argues that the U.S. should use the ethnic strife dividing the country to stabilize Iraq by decentralizing it along ethnic lines. A continued U.S. engagement and a quick pull out are both untenable solutions. The article suggests three strong, federated regions divided on ethnic lines controlled by a limited central government. A share of the oil wealth would have to be constitutionally ensured, as would a diversified police force in the heterogenous central cities. Sunnis could be swayed to accept the deal, especially as they realize they will be a permanent minority in a central Iraqi government.