Donor Activities and Civil Society Potential in Iraq (Arabic Edition)
Summary
- The rebuilding of Iraq is the most far-reaching reconstruction enterprise since the efforts in Europe and Japan at the conclusion of World War II.
- The vast bulk of the civilian Iraq funding is being spent in rehabilitating physical infrastructure.
- About $730 million is now programmed for democracy, civil society, human rights, and refugees, including the Institute’s conflict management activities.
- So far, even in this area, the emphasis has been on the reconstruction of physical premises and infrastructure of civil society organizations (CSOs), with less money available for programs.
- Civil society organizations are nevertheless proliferating rapidly, creating a potentially large appetite for program funding.
- The funding so far for women’s organizations is targeted mainly at income generation rather than at programs that aim to enhance their ability to protect their rights as citizens and individuals.
- One of the main challenges of peacebuilding in Iraq will be overcoming the legacy of more than 30 years of Ba’ath Party terror, which has left deep psychological wounds.
- The effects of suppressed cultural, religious, and political identity will have enormous implications for Iraq’s future.
- The Institute and other conflict management organizations can offer value added by focusing on prevention of sectarian violence, aiding in the establishment of the rule of law and in institutions that promote truth and reconciliation, and training and educating a new generation of leaders.
For the complete English version of this report, click here.