The UN’s Expanded Role in Iraq: Why Now?

In August 2007, the United Nations Security Council adopted Resolution 1770 extending the mandate of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI). The resolution also gave the organization an expanded political role in the country.

Even with Resolution 1770, US requests for greater UN assistance, and the current improvements in the security situation in Iraq, key questions remain regarding the UN’s expanded role. Namely, is this the right time for the UN to expand its political role? And on the flip side, what is the “downside” for the organization, Iraq, and the international community if it does not choose to take advantage of even a short-term improvement in the security situation?

The Stanley Center convened a policy salon dinner with a group of 14 experts to discuss these questions and possible ways forward. This policy memo summarizes the discussion outcomes and recommendations for how Iraq, the UN, the US, and the international community can better move forward to address the ongoing threats to Iraq’s stability and security.