Post-ISIS Stabilization and Reconstruction in Syria and Iraq

Now that ISIS has been driven out of Iraq and Syria, rebuilding the region is a significant issue for the U.S., Iraq, Syria, and its allies. Hudson Institute hosted a discussion on post-ISIS Iraq and Syria and the future of U.S. Middle East policy. Keynote remarks will be delivered by Assistant Secretary of State for Stabilization Denise Natali, followed by a panel with the RAND Corporation’s Linda Robinson; Senior Advisor with the Iraq Haven Project Loay Mikhael; the Middle East Institute’s Elizabeth Dent; and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace’s Frances Z. Brown. The discussion was moderated by Hudson Non-resident Senior Fellow Jonas Parello-Plesner.

ISIS has been defeated militarily, yet many challenges remain to stabilize and reconstruct the war-torn region, particularly in Iraq and Syria. The chief difficulties plaguing these countries include unlawful reconciliation practices for residents of former ISIS-occupied territories; regional disputes between the Kurdish population, Turkey, and Assad-controlled Syria; and mounting influence from outside actors including Russia and Iran. Rebuilding the region is in the U.S.’s best interests, but it cannot be done alone. Instead, the Trump administration favors a burden-sharing approach that requires greater investment from Iraq, Syria, and its western allies.