Economic Consequences of the New Iraqi Constitution

Abstract

Constitutions can play a critical role in founding and unifying new or renewing states: Iraq is no exception. A new constitution for post-Saddam Iraq can play a key role in reunifying and strengthening the national consciousness of the country. It can also lay the foundation for the creation of a viable dynamic economy. To many the constitution drafted and ratified in the summer of 2005 holds out this promise. To others, the ratified constitution contains too many flaws and inconsistencies to enable the country to escape from its current state of violence and economic stagnation. Even worse many contend1 that unless a series of contentious issues surrounding the constitution and the events leading up to its drafting are resolved quickly, the integrity of Iraq as a unified state will be in question.