|
 |
| |
 |
 |
|
| |
| RECONSTRUCTION, SECURITY & CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES |
|
 As a think tank, working in Washington, DC, policy materials determine our credibility and value. Our people need focused efforts, bringing high quality policy research to the doorstep of decision-makers. Praise for ISDP’s research comes from US government officials and numerous, well-known think tanks working on Iraq. ISDP is being involved in many discussions and roundtables as a result. Continuing this positive track record is vital.
|
| PRESENT PRIORITIES/OBJECTIVES |
| • |
Continue pushing the Nineveh Plain Needs Assessment – a proposal for over $250 million identifying the development needs of this critical region and the minorities in it. |
| • |
Maintain a focus on specific measures for establishing a security structure adequate for starting to meet the urgent physical security crisis for minorities. |
| • |
Target internally displaced persons (IDPs) as the highest humanitarian priority, both in terms of absolute need and in order to prevent and ultimately reverse the refugee crisis. |
| • |
Promoting awareness of the Art. 125/Nineveh Plain Administrative Unit solution as the single most assured way of securing a sustainable future for Iraq’s most vulnerable minorities – and by extension maintaining hope for moderation and democracy in Iraq. |
| • |
Maintain pressure for reform of the Iraqi constitution, based on our detailed recommendations, and develop strategies for coming laws arising from the constitution. |
| • |
Keep alive a dialogue on the need for amending the elections law of Iraq, which is deeply prejudicial to minority interests. |
| • |
Develop a human rights policy emphasis specific to the violations endured and still being felt by Iraq’s real minorities. |
|
| |
| AWARENESS |
|
 Media
The media is a powerful tool. Regrettably, our people are just beginning to understand the potential of effectively reaching mainstream media. Coverage by the Washington Post of what is happening in northern Iraq was effective in underlining the conditions our people struggle to overcome. NPR coverage allowed many to know who we are and what we are facing. While our work on exposing elections fraud in northern Iraq had a very positive impact for the December 2005 elections.
|
| OBJECTIVES |
| • |
Increase our ability to reach the media through expanded contacts and developing high quality press releases. |
| • |
Focus on mainstream media, through targeted information to direct sources, on current developments affecting our people. |
| • |
Hold regular press conferences at strategic times, with a view to expanding awareness on the plight of Iraq’s real minorities. |
| • |
Build personal and consistent relationships with the press in Washington, DC, but also in US cities where our community has substantial numbers.
|
|
| GOVERNMENT LIASION: |
|
 Elected Representatives and Administration
A critical pillar of ISDP’s operations is liaising with the US government, including both elected representatives (Congress and the Senate) and the administrative arms of the government. Several sound relationships presently exist with key sectors of the US Government. Their demand for more information to help develop government policy is rewarding and challenging. Working with various arms of the US government administration is leading to our ability to help increase their understanding of developments in Iraq.
|
| OBJECTIVES |
| • |
Meet all information and policy-analysis requests by elected representatives which is increasing at a steady rate. |
| • |
Working with our community organizations to establish new relationships expanding the scope and reach of ISDP’s research and policy solutions. |
| • |
Increasing the analyses provided to the US Government administrative arm, further deepening their use of ISDP research in formulating/assessing policy. |
| • |
Increase ISDP’s reputation in Washington, DC, as a think tank worthy of consultation for Capitol Hill decision-makers and in key departments.
|
|
| Community Liaison and Your Assistance |
|
The ISDP also prioritizes liaising with our community throughout the US, and internationally. Making trips to major populations centers is part of our work. This is our way of communicating the work being done in Washington, D.C. We also work with organizations in Iraq, with a view to supporting them and collaborating on projects.
ISDP would become a host organization, facilitating an agenda for partner organizations, visiting Washington, DC, which is a vital and important service.
|
|
