In June 2004, the United States and the United Kingdom relinquished civil authority over post-conflict Iraq, ending thirteen months of occupation and marking the creation of an independent interim Iraqi government. Iraq in Transition: Post-Conflict Challenges and Opportunities examines the Coalition's record during occupation and provides benchmarks on how best to approach the shared goal of a more stable and peaceful Iraq.

The United Nations and its member states, including the U.S., have committed themselves to an ambitious plan to stabilize Iraq and to support its political leaders and citizens as they move towards a more open and participatory society. In the years to come, this will require a strong partnership between the Iraqi people, the U.N., and the international community to ensure that Iraqi citizens are protected, an Iraqi economy is renewed, a justice system is restored, key infrastructure is refurbished, and a national education system and health care are available to all Iraqis. These are daunting tasks, given the instability that persists in post-occupation Iraq.

This report, a joint publication of The Open Society Institute and the United Nations Foundation, provides a roadmap for attempting to meet these crucial goals in the months and years ahead.