Independent Commission on Iraqi Security Forces

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) provided support to an independent commission appointed by Congress to conduct an assessment of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF). Chaired by General James Jones, USMC (Ret.), the Independent Commission on the Security Forces of Iraq reported to Congress in September 2007 on the readiness of the Iraqi Security Forces, their capabilities, and how support and training by U.S. forces contributes to the effectiveness of the ISF.

Comprised of 20 former senior military officers, defense officials, and law enforcement officers, Congress required the Commission to examine the readiness of the ISF to assume responsibility in maintaining the territorial integrity of Iraq; deny terrorists a safe haven; bring greater security to Iraq’s 18 provinces in the next 12-18 months, and bring an end to sectarian violence in order to achieve national reconciliation. As part of its assessment, the Commission also examined the training, equipping, command, control and intelligence capabilities and the logistics capacity of the ISF. The Commission traveled to Iraq to meet with key Iraqi and U.S. leaders and to assess ISF capabilities.

In accordance with the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007, the Commission conducted its independent assessment and reported back to committees in the United States House of Representatives and Senate. As mandated by the act, a private, non-profit organization with national security expertise was required to support the Commission. CSIS served that role. Senators John Warner (R-VA) and Robert Byrd (D-WV) co-sponsored the original amendment which led to the creation of the Commission. The Commission has bipartisan support in both the House and Senate.