Potential
The long term welcoming of Western investment among Iraq’s political elite chimes with calls to transition the US-American relationship from military to civilian. In another Iraq style paradox, greater US involvement in Iraq may actually boost the civilian element of this. Cruz says that her work with Mantid International in the Holy city of Karbala was based on listening to what Iraqis wanted and moving quickly. She notes,
“Given the challenges there now, we focus on integrated security solutions that include technology and training. We are also joint ventured with leading architecture/engineering firms to provide comprehensive strategic planning support to the government. We also advise U.S. and international corporate clients, providing political and business intelligence to help them operate in this challenging environment.”
Karbala, though bordering the province of Anbar, is probably one of the most heavily defended parts of Iraq and has subsequently seen a slow but steady stream of foreign companies, as Cruz says,
“We first became interested in bringing our advisory team to the provinces in the south as we saw various leaders and local governments demonstrate a desire to engage more with the international business community. Also, we were familiar with Governor Akeel al-Turahi of Karbala from his former post as the Inspector General for the Ministry of Interior – a post where he demonstrated his commitment to improved government and fighting corruption.”
It is certainly true that Karbala-- like Basra, has made moves to fight corruption, one such move involving a gradual transition to a computer based bureaucracy. Like Karbala, Basra has also hired a foreign firm (Hill International) to oversee key projects. This approach has already shown results, notes Cruz,
“The Governor and the leaders in the province – both private and government – desire a vision for their province that leverages international expertise and foreign investment. At a recent “Karbala Day” celebration, several international companies set up booths alongside government entities. With millions of tourists each year, Karbala is uniquely positioned as a cultural and religious center, but years of sanctions and war had limited its ability to develop.
As the doors have opened, Karbala is aggressively looking to expand. The newly opened Rotana Hotel brings five star luxury to a rapidly expanding hotel market which will soon include a Kempinski and several more large developments. Also in the planning stages is a new airport and upgraded roads that will service both the visitors, and the expanding manufacturing/refinery facilities sprouting up in the province.”
That Iraq’s airport industry is expanding is certainly true, and the vital Mid-Euphrates airport project is expected to handle 6 million passengers a year when finished, with a longer term goal of 20 million. Cruz is proud of her work in Karbala:
“There is great potential for Karbala, a city that prides itself on history but also looks forward to demonstrate its ability to modernize and advance. The challenge today, however, is getting beyond the formation of a government, restoration of security, and the stability of the country in order that a province’s vision can be realized.”
And there it is, the potential. Iraq’s potential is still there: most of the oil infrastructure is unscathed and production will likely continue to rise. Millions of Iraqis in the Kurdish north will continue to benefit from trade with Turkey and Iran and foreign investment will likely continue.
Likewise the southern cities such as Basra, Najaf, Karbala and Nasiriyah will continue their fight to modernise and prosper. First though, Baghdad will have to overcome huge political and security challenges. One thing is likely: Iraqis have endured so much, and may yet overcome this crisis.
Ginger Cruz is a Managing Partner and CEO of Mantid International. She holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and a M.A. in International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies. An expert in anti-corruption, oversight, stabilization, and reconstruction issues, Ms. Cruz previously served 8 years with the Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction (SIGIR). At SIGIR, Ms. Cruz led a team of 150 auditors, inspectors, investigators, and staff responsible for overseeing $60 billion in U.S. and Iraqi funds spent on reconstruction and stabilization. Ms. Cruz's many accomplishments include designing and managing production of over 450 reports that influenced U.S. and international policy, brought government transparency and accountability to new levels, and helped to convict more than 60 individuals on various federal criminal charges.
Prior to joining SIGIR, Ms. Cruz served as a deputy assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Ms. Cruz also served as the communications and policy director for the Governor of Guam, providing advice on a wide range of topics from education reform and economic development to environmental policy and tourism marketing. In addition, she has worked as a news director, investigative reporter, anchor, and producer for two NBC affiliates. She also served as a vice president for a federal consulting firm.
A member of the Council on Foreign Relations, Ms. Cruz combines more than 25 years of experience in crisis management, media, government, international policy, and business. Ms. Cruz holds a B.A. in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania and an Masters Degree in International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies.
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