This article examines the effects of the current leadership models now in use in Iraq. The post-Sadaam era has been difficult for many Iraqis living in Iraq, as well as for those who fled to neighboring nations. “Why so much anger?” There is plenty of anger to go around. Given the current turmoil in the Middle East, it should be no surprise that the summer of 2011 will be a tumultuous time in the region. Iraq may also experience a dramatic change in leadership unless those currently elected to office make dramatic changes, and quick. This research, by helping to understand Iraqis’ thinking about leadership models, will improve the international community’s awareness of what might work or might not work as Iraqis experiment with their new freedom of choice on their path to self-government. This researcher does not think transactional leadership will work. Rather, a genuine transformational leader with vision and strength of character could change the current direction of Iraq away from chaos as United States Forces continue with the expected draw down.
About the Author(s)
Dr. Brandt Smith is a Social Scientist with 20+ years of experience in Iraq, Taiwan, Thailand, China and Myanmar (Burma). Most recently, Dr. Smith completed his second tour of duty as a Department of Army Civilian in Iraq where he embedded with the US Army. His 5 ½ years in Iraq had him traveling the entire country connecting with Kurds, Sunnis and Shi’a interviewing hundreds of Iraqi nationals nationwide. From 2006-2008 he served as director of a non-government organization (NGO) and later as a Human Terrain System, Social Scientist in eight southern Iraqi provinces.