Public discussion of policy toward Iraq has focused heavily on the military situation and surge, with only cursory discussion of how to reach the goals of stabilizing Iraq as a single state at peace with itself and working out political, sectarian and tribal differences through democratic means. This panel discussion will focus on the past, present and future of U.S. diplomacy within Iraq and the region. What sort of influence does the United States have, and how can it be used? What are the limitations of diplomacy? How does one connect diplomatic and military policy for greatest effect?

The American Academy of Diplomacy is pleased to partner with the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy to present this Joseph J. Sisco Memorial Forum panel discussion. The forum, established in honor of a former academy chairman, aims to stimulate public discussion on the foreign policy themes to which Sisco dedicated his career.