G-8 Preview: Bush and Allies to Discuss Repairing Their Rift and Rebuilding Iraq

The annual economic summit of eight industrialized nations, which begins June 1 in Evian, France, will provide an opportunity for President Bush to repair relations with major European countries that opposed the U.S. invasion of Iraq, particularly France, Germany, and Russia.

Iraq will be the primary focus of the G-8 agenda. Participants will address how to rebuild the country politically and economically, the American proposal to lift sanctions, and U.S. reluctance to give the United Nations and Europe a major role in rebuilding efforts.

At this press briefing, a panel of Brookings experts will offer their insights on these and other issues likely to be discussed at the meeting, including:

• Stimulating the sluggish economies of the United States, Europe, Russia, and Japan;
• Defining the G-8 nations? roles in advancing the new “road map” for peace in the Middle East;
• Fighting terrorism;
• Helping less-developed countries on areas including trade and combating HIV/AIDS;
• Expanding NATO, with the possibility of Russian membership.