Iraq today is in a tense situation. Attacks by leaders of resistance to US occupation occur daily. Progress seems to be stifled. Certain regions of the country, though, have seen a rebirth of Iraqi culture. The most pressing problem is to spread a healthy situation throughout the country and quell the violence.

Based on an analysis of historical examples of rebuilding after wars, this author has suggested several recommendations. These historical comparisons are relevant to the current Iraqi situation because each situation is an extension of the past. The effects of the British occupation of Iraq in 1919 still have ramifications to the present state of Iraq. Learning through the study of previous lessons can steer the rebuilding away from making the same mistakes. Likewise, positive examples in Japan and Europe after World War II can be modeled.

Lastly, this paper has introduced six recommendations for determining the future of Iraq. These recommendations are based on the experiences of previous postwar rebuilding situations. If used in Iraq, they may help solve some of the fundamental issues confounding the CPA. They provide an alternative to the current mode of thinking and can change a chaotic situation in Iraq. If these strategies are implemented, the probability is higher that Iraq will become a functioning member of the world community and a grateful ally of the United States.