On September 18, Carnegie Mellon's annual University Lecture Series premiered in Baker Hall's Adamson Wing with a lecture on conditions in Iraq by EPP graduate student Robert Behrman. Behrman served in the U.S. Army Reserve in Iraq from June 2005 to April 2006.

Behrman traveled primarily in Northern Iraq and Kurdistan as the unit Intelligence Officer and worked with Iraqi government, civilians, and NGO members on constitution outreach and election monitoring. He graduated from the University of Saint Thomas at Houston with Bachelor's degrees in mathematics and philosophy. He is currently working on a Ph.D. in engineering and public policy at Carnegie Mellon's Center for the Computational Analysis of Social and Organizational Systems.

In a time when the political party that a person swears allegiance to often colors his or her notion of truth, Behrman sought to portray an accurate representation of the political, social, and economic situation in Iraq.

"There is enough information available in the public media to provide an accurate understanding of conditions in Iraq — if you know what to look for and how to read it," said Behrman.

The lecture began with a brief history of current events in Iraq. In 2003, the United States began major combat operations in Iraq and set up a Coalition of Provisional Authority to govern Iraq. However, the transition to an Iraqi government was violent because of the spread of a Sunni-Muslim insurgency.

The three major players in Iraqi politics are composed of three population groups. Behrman explained that these three main divisions — Sunni, Shi'ite, and Kurds — are not just ethnic or religious divisions. Rather, they are identities that the people are obligated to uphold. During an election, the average Iraqi has little choice which candidate they vote for because they are expected to vote for the party that represents their religio-cultural division.

Behrman said it is difficult to gauge the political climate in Iraq. Since all the political parties were former resistance groups, there is very little capacity to make or enforce meaningful decisions at a national level. Also, because the Ba'ath party lead Iraq during Saddam Hussein's regime, the de-Ba'athification removed virtually all experienced civil servants from the government. Furthermore, the success of independent provincial governments is uncertain since there is little history of this type of government.

Governing Iraq under one representative head is also difficult because of the various opinions of the different population groups. However, if different regions are established for the different groups, it is meaningless to call the country Iraq.

Behrman then discussed how the political atmosphere directly affects the social conditions. First of all, there is a great deal of disenfranchisement since people don't feel accountable when they vote in elections. Furthermore, there is corruption rampant in all layers of society because there is no history of mutual trust or civic responsibility.

"The populace is jaded," said Behrman. "There is no trust in other groups, ethnicities, or the media. People are afraid of sticking their necks out."

Economically, there is a significant decrease in quality of living for the average Iraqi, due to high crime and unemployment rates and slow reconstruction from war damage. Although there isn't much full-time employment, there are construction odd jobs. However, crime, kidnapping, extortion, and political assassinations cause a generalized fear in people that subordinates all other problems.

However, Behrman is careful to note that Iraq isn't in complete disrepair.

"There is a perception that society doesn't work because it doesn't work the way it used to. But things just work differently," said Behrman. "Amenities are available, but now people have to buy things that used to be supplied by the government. There is violence, but not at the level that you see in World War II movies."

The pro-government forces helping Iraq include the Iraqi Army, local and national Iraqi police, a political militia, and U.S. military and Coalition partners. However, the Iraqi Army has a specific geographic response and an incomplete integration. This leads to even more difficulties battling the four insurgent groups. There are insurgencies against occupation, against Iraqi government, against other Iraqis, and general crime.

"All these insurgencies overlap strongly so it is difficult to determine which is most effective in instability," said Behrman.

Insurgencies during Saddam's regime weren't dormant, but they were not at the forefront because they were crushed quickly. Due to a lack of unity in the Iraqi people and the government and military forces, it is much more difficult now to fix insurgency or social problems.

Following the lecture, Behrman answered questions from the audience. One audience member asked if there were any positive things going on in Iraq.

"There are a lot of positive things being done," Behrman replied. "Local political parties are establishing and running in local areas to relieve disenfranchise. There are tons of projects being done, such as local municipal projects that happen but are not publicly announced. A large amount of the population is genuinely concerned [about the conditions in Iraq]."

A question was also asked about the state of education in Iraq for high school and above.

"In a lot of high schools, most of them talk about not having enough textbooks or water," said Behrman. "But amenities are available, they just work differently. The younger generation speaks very fluent English. The rural areas of Iraq are not very good."

As for how Iraqis think of Americans: "A lot of Iraqis are enthusiastic to see Americans come and some are very terrified to see them leave," said Behrman. "It's hard to get definite opinions. Most are noncommittal and won't say much either way."

Behrman also advised the audience on where to look for the most accurate news about conditions in Iraq. He immediately suggested books by people who were in Iraq for a long time. Instead of trusting all reporters, he said, read news sources carefully to see which sources they cite; read who's making public statements and for whom they speak.

"As you read news and become aware, start seeing problems for yourself. Read, become familiar, and persuade responsible authorities," said Behrman.

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