Iraq in Transition

Following parliamentary elections in 2005, Iraq formed its first permanent government on May 20, 2006. A key figure in the new administration is Barham Salih, who holds the post of Deputy Prime Minister. Twice elected to parliament as a member of the Democratic Patriotic Alliance of Kurdistan, Salih has served in every Iraqi government since June 2004. As the former Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Sulaimani, he worked closely with the United States and oversaw a period of economic growth and reconstruction.

On September 13, the Saban Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings hosted a discussion with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Barham Salih as part of its Statesman’s Forum. Martin Indyk, senior fellow and Saban Center director, provided introductory remarks and moderated the panel discussion.