U.S. Military Operations in Iraq: Planning, Combat, and Occupation

U S Military Operations in Iraq Planning Combat and Occupation Even before Operation IRAQI FREEDOM began the Strategic Studies Institute SSI published a monograph about planning for transition to Phase IV operations Now that we are years beyond the start of th

Even before Operation IRAQI FREEDOM began, the Strategic Studies Institute SSI published a monograph about planning for transition to Phase IV operations Now that we are 3 years beyond the start of that transition, the debate continues about the adequacy of planning for and proficiency of execution of Phase IV operations in Iraq and elsewhere The debate most often surrEven before Operation IRAQI FREEDOM began, the Strategic Studies Institute SSI published a monograph about planning for transition to Phase IV operations Now that we are 3 years beyond the start of that transition, the debate continues about the adequacy of planning for and proficiency of execution of Phase IV operations in Iraq and elsewhere The debate most often surrounds three issues concerning this final operational phase the relationship to preceding operational phases responsibility for planning and responsibility for execution Inevitably, the interagency process becomes central to addressing each of these issues A colloquium on U.S Military Operations in Iraq Planning, Combat, and Occupation was held November 2, 2005, and was co sponsored by SSI and Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies SAIS An exceptional combination of scholars, practitioners, and policymakers examined persistent issues central to the important and ongoing debate surrounding the colloquium theme.