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An American Insider Perspective: The Iraqi Constitution, Referendum, and Elections

Date: Thursday, September 15, 2005 / Time: 6:00am - 7:30am 

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With a constitution drafted, a referendum coming up on October 15, 2005, and elections to follow by December 15, 2005, Iraq is struggling in the midst of a brutal insurgency to establish a viable democracy. Peter Galbraith, one of the few Americans who worked inside the constitutional process, addressed such critical issues as:

  • Can the Sunnis be brought on board?
  • Do the southern governorates intend to form one or more regions under the new constitution?
  • Are there compromises available between critics of the current draft and its supporters?
  • Will completion of the transitional phase have an impact on the insurgency?
  • What if the constitution is rejected at the referendum?
  • What will the next elections bring?

Speakers

  • Ambassador Peter Galbraith
    Senior Diplomatic Fellow, Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation
  • Daniel Serwer Moderator
    Vice President and Director, Peace and Stability Operations, U.S. Institute of Peace,

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