Analysis of Operational Legitimacy Concerns for MNF-I with the Creation of an Independent Iraqi Kurdistan; Research paper

摘要

In September 2006, three new principles of joint operations came into existence. In addition to restraint and perseverance, 'legitimacy' became an 'other' principle. This paper examines Multinational Force-Iraq (MNF-I) legitimacy concerns and how they are affected by the formation of an independent Iraqi Kurdistan. Iraqi Kurdistan will gain greater autonomy from the Government of Iraq, pending the outcome of a referendum scheduled to take place in June 2008. To sustain force legitimacy despite the formation of an independent Iraqi Kurdistan, the MNF-I commander must ready coalition and local security forces for a rapid departure from the tranquil status quo that has become the deceptive norm in the region. This is best accomplished by anticipating the violence associated with the June 2008 referendum and successfully synchronizing the training and utilization of existing, indigenous security forces to maintain stability when the referendum does occur. This paper draws conclusions concerning the use of indigenous security forces as the means to provide stability in Iraqi Kurdistan which will, in turn, alleviate legitimacy concerns for the MNF-I commander.