Almost six years after the invasion of Iraq by US-led Coalition forces it is high time for a fundamental political debate in the European Union and in Germany about the conflict, its consequences, and Europe’s own interests. It should lead to a consistent Iraq policy for the years to come. The process of stabilization and democratization of Iraq is of key importance to the region, to global security, and to the transatlantic alliance. But a new transatlantic chapter could only be opened when Europe itself started co-writing the story, telling where and how to meet the United States halfway.

This publication describes a new start of cooperation between Europe, the United States, and regional partners in the Middle East to tackle the challenges in Iraq and to help bring peace, stability, and sustainable development to the wider region.