RAND experts can comment on the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War

RAND Corporation experts can comment on the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War, which is celebrated on March 20, 2023. They can discuss the historical consequences of the war and the decision-making that led to it; the war’s lasting impact on returning veterans and current US foreign and defense policy; and Iraq’s relevance to today’s geopolitical climate, including Russia’s war with Ukraine, competition with China, and the balance of power in the Middle East.

Available experts include:

• Raphael Cohen, Director, Strategy and Doctrine Program, RAND Project AIR FORCE Program; senior political scientist; and a former military intelligence officer with two tours in Iraq
• ambassador James Dobbins, Senior Researcher and Distinguished Chair in Diplomacy and Security; author of Occupation Iraq, History of the Coalition Provisional Authority
• Gian Gentile, Associate Director, RAND Arroyo Center; senior historian; A 32-year Army veteran with two combat tours in Iraq. and author Wrong turn. America’s Death Embrace of Counterinsurgency
• Michel Grisé Policy researcher on Iran and international law
• Mikael MazarAuthor of Senior Political Scientist on US Defense Policy and Counterinsurgency A leap of faith. arrogance, negligence, and America’s greatest foreign policy A tragedy About the Iraq war
• ambassador Charles ReesFormer Senior Research Fellow and former Coordinator for Economic Transition at the US Embassy in Iraq
• Howard Schatzsenior economist focused on the international economy and great power competition in the Middle East
• Heather WilliamsDeputy Director of the International Security and Defense Policy Program, RAND National Security Research Division Program; former employee of Iran’s national intelligence; and an expert on Middle East regional affairs
• Kayla Williams, senior policy researcher focused on veterans affairs; former Assistant Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs; Iraq war veteran; and author of two books on military service
• Jonathan Wong, Deputy Director, Strategy, Doctrine and Resources Program, RAND Arroyo Center Program; policy researcher focused on the role of new technologies, operational concepts and processes in shaping how soldiers fight; Former Marine with two combat tours in Iraq.

Additional information.

More information about RAND’s work on Iraq can be found here: /topics/iraq.html.