Challenges to the Process of Nation-Building in Iraq and Prospects for Regional Peace and Stability

This research seeks to explore the challenges confronting the process of political, security and cultural transition and its impact on regional peace and security. The author argues that the Iraqi developments and direction of war on the part of the United States in the country have revealed realities and paradoxes at the regional level whose results will not be to the benefit of the intervening powers’ position and influence in the formation of new political, security, economic and cultural systems of the region. It also will increase the complicated gaps found among the regional nations and states. From the author’s viewpoint, a different Iraq with new characteristics can underpin stability and enhance exchanges among the regional nations and states. The author concludes that the solution for the existing impasse can be found in the withdrawal of foreign forces from the region and reduction of their influence in regional power structure and politics.