Center for Kirkuk Referendum Operations

Time:             April 25, 2011 10 AM-12

Location:       U.S. Institute of Peace Headquarters
                       2301 Constitution Avenue, NW
                       Washington, DC 20037

Description:   The status of Kirkuk and other disputed territories is one of the greatest conundrums in Iraqi politics. With a December deadline looming for the U.S. military drawdown to be completed, no universally accepted political or constitutional framework exists among Iraqis for addressing what some have called the greatest threat to the country’s stability.

As part of the Institute’s contribution to promoting Iraqi dialogue on this important matter, USIP’s Sean Kane will discuss his new report entitled “Iraq’s Disputed Territories: A View of the Political Horizon and Implications for U.S. Policy,” which concretely imagines what an Iraqi-negotiated solution to the disputed territories might look like. In addition, Harvard University’s Emma Sky and the International Crisis Group's Joost Hiltermann will outline potential on-the-ground conflict prevention and management mechanisms that could help create the space for Iraqi leaders to continue their search for agreement on these difficult and sensitive issues.

The speakers will be joined by senior Iraqi respondents who will provide a critical look at the ideas and options proposed.

Speakers:

Sean Kane
Program Officer, Iraq Programs
U.S. Institute of Peace

Emma Sky
Resident Fellow, Harvard University
Former Political Advisor to the Commanding General, U.S. Forces-Iraq
Former CPA Governorate Coordinator - Kirkuk

Dr. Joost Hiltermann
Deputy Program Director, Middle East and North Africa
International Crisis Group

William Taylor, Moderator
Senior Vice President, Center for Conflict Management
U.S. Institute of Peace