Peace-keeping Efforts in Iraq

There have been attempts by the international community to improve and repair the infrastructure of Iraq in the aftermath of the 2003 invasion, when much was destroyed. The NATO Training Mission-Iraq (NTM-I) was set up in 2004 at the request of the Iraqi Government. NTM-I focuses on training and mentoring through the NATO Training and Equipment Co-ordination Group. Their main aim is to help Iraq develop a democratic and safe country. To enforce this initiative, NATO works with the Iraqi government on a structured cooperation framework to develop a long-term relationship with Iraq.

How the Efforts are being carried out:

NATO is helping the Iraqi government build the capability to ensure, by its own means, the security needs of the Iraqi people.

The NATO Training Implementation Mission was established on 30 July 2004. NATO extended training assistance to bridge the gap between routine police work and military operations. Training is also expanded to include navy and force leadership training, border security and small arms accountability. NATO members contribute to training efforts in Iraq through financial contributions or donations of equipment.

Expanding NATO's assistance

On 9 December 2004, NATO Foreign Ministers authorized the Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) to start the next stage of the mission.This paved way for the deployment of 300 additional staff, including trainers and support staff, and a significant increase in the existing training and mentoring given to mid- and senior-level personnel from the Iraqi security forces.Thus, it changed the mission’s name from NATO Training Implementation Mission to NATO Training Mission-Iraq. In April 2008, NATO leaders extended the Mission through 2009 and approved proposals for a structured cooperation framework to develop the Alliance’s long-term relationship with Iraq