CNAS Event: The Next Phase in America's Relationship with Iraq

Read the event transcript here.

Read the event transcript here.

President Obama’s speech in early August heralded the end of the U.S. combat mission in Iraq, but U.S. engagement in the country is far from over. As the military draws down, our nation’s diplomats are preparing to expand their role and take the lead in providing guidance and assistance to Iraqis as they build a stable future for their country. However, the transition of responsibility from the Department of Defense to the Department of State in a resource-constrained environment presents challenges for the U.S. government in meeting U.S. foreign policy objectives and managing the thousands of contractors needed to provide security and other services necessary for the Department of State to operate in Iraq.

On Tuesday, August 17, 2010, the Center for a New American Security will host a moderated discussion that will address these questions with two leading Administration officials on Iraq: Michael Corbin, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iraq, and Colin Kahl, Deputy Secretary of Defense for the Middle East. CNAS Chief Executive Officer Nathaniel Fick, a national security expert and veteran of the Iraq war, will moderate the conversation.

MODERATOR

Nathaniel Fick
CEO, Center for a New American Security

FEATURED SPEAKERS

Michael Corbin
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Iraq

Dr. Colin Kahl
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East