President George W. Bush has announced his new strategy to achieve victory in Iraq and has named a new team, led by General David Petraeus, to accomplish this mission. As part of this strategy, the president has called for a surge of American troops into Baghdad and the surrounding area in order to pacify violence in the capital, halt sectarian strife, and provide security and stability to the Iraqi people.

While securing Baghdad must be an immediate priority, the United States must also prepare subsequent measures to consolidate the peace and ensure that the Iraqis possess the tools necessary to build a better future. What is the best way to train and equip the Iraqi Security Forces? How can the United States provide reconstruction and economic assistance effectively and efficiently? What is needed to improve the Iraqi government’s ability to fulfill its fundamental responsibilities? How can the U.S. government support these efforts?

At this event, AEI resident scholar Frederick W. Kagan will present the second phase of the Iraq Planning Group’s report, “Choosing Victory: A Plan for Success in Iraq,” which addresses these critical questions, and outlines how the United States can build on the momentum provided by the surge and begin the “hold” operations needed to consolidate the peace.