Hard Lessons

by Stuart W. Bowen Jr., Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (U.S.) (Compilation)

Answers important questions concerning Iraq Reconstruction by presenting a comprehensive history of the U.S. program, chiefly derived the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction's (SIGIR's) body of extensive oversight work in Iraq, hundreds of interviews with key figures involved with the reconstruction program, and thousands of documents. The report examines the pre-war planning for reconstruction, the shift from a large infrastructure program to a more community-based one, and the success of the Surge in 2007 and beyond. The report provides thirteen lessons applicable to contingency relief and reconstruction operations, which should create a basis for reviewing and reforming the U.S. approach to these activities. NO FURTHER DISCOUNTS FOR ALREADY REDUCED SALE ITEMS.

500 pages, Paperback

First published February 2, 2009

Reviews

[Natalie]

I loved reading this. Anyone that works in foreign aid and/or post-conflict settings should definitely read this. A lot of lessons to be learned

[Sarah]

I couldn't finish this one. I got hung up imagining myself on a plane with palettes of small US bills. Cash. Lots and lots of cash. I'd like to think the USG learned some "Hard Lessons," but we'll just have to see how well those lessons are applied in Af-Pak.