Last week's Iraqi donor conference in Tokyo provided an "opportunity to reaffirm solidarity between the international community and the Iraqi people," as the chairman declared in his concluding statement. In practical terms, however, the meeting produced few results. With violence still prevalent in Iraq, delegates from 57 countries and groups were concerned mainly about security risks. Progress was also hampered by differences over how to support reconstruction efforts.
Security and reconstruction are inseparable. It is essential, therefore, that the interim Iraqi government and the international-aid community work closely together to improve the lives of Iraqi people in parallel with efforts to stabilize the country. Pursuing these twin objectives in an integrated manner is key to parliamentary elections scheduled for next January.
At the conference, Baghdad officials announced a three-year strategy for economic and social development, including plans to increase oil production, repair telephone and railway systems, and build power plants. "The support of the international donor community will be the catalyst for turning the vicious cycle of poverty and terrorism into a virtuous cycle of economic growth, tolerance and peace," Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih said in a keynote speech.