Temporary Organization To Facilitate a Strategic Partnership With the Republic of Iraq

This executive order establishes the Iraq Strategic Partnership Office (ISPO) within the Department of State as a temporary organization to manage the U.S. transition from military-led reconstruction to a civilian strategic partnership with Iraq. The ISPO assumes functions from the Iraq Transition Assistance Office (ITAO) and oversees economic, diplomatic, cultural, and security cooperation under the Strategic Framework Agreement, including drawdown of Provincial Reconstruction Teams and police development programs.

Federal Register Open PDF 75 FR 26879

Impact dates

Date TBD
ISPO termination at end of maximum period permitted by 5 U.S.C. 3161(a)(1)

Key directives

Establish ISPO within Department of State per 5 U.S.C. 3161
Transfer ITAO personnel, assets, liabilities, and records to ISPO
Support transition to strategic partnership in economic, diplomatic, cultural, and security fields
Coordinate drawdown of Provincial Reconstruction Teams
Support and create sustainable Rule of Law mission including Police Development Program
Complete remaining Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund coordination, oversight, and reporting
Assume all remaining ITAO functions as of May 7, 2010
ISPO termination at end of maximum period under 5 U.S.C. 3161(a)(1) unless sooner terminated by Secretary

Who is ordered

Secretary of State · Department of State

Timeline

Immediate

ISPO established within Department of State
ITAO personnel, assets, liabilities, and records transferred to ISPO
Director selection process initiated by Secretary of State

Near term (90d)

Coordination of Provincial Reconstruction Team drawdown
Assumption of ITAO remaining functions
Rule of Law mission and Police Development Program support initiated

Long term

ISPO termination at maximum period permitted by 5 U.S.C. 3161(a)(1) (typically 3 years for temporary organizations)
Completion of Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund oversight functions
Full transition to strategic partnership framework

Risks & tensions

5 U.S.C. 3161(a)(1) typically limits temporary organizations to 3 years, creating pressure for rapid transition
Subject to availability of appropriations may constrain operations if funding lapses
Dual reporting through Secretary of State and coordination with multiple executive departments may create friction
Vague 'such other functions' clause in Sec. 3(f) grants broad discretionary authority to Secretary
Drawdown of Provincial Reconstruction Teams concurrent with security transition risked creating governance vacuum