Designing Democracy: Iraq 2004

With Iraq on the brink of rebirth in 2004, tensions run high in this historical simulation as participants debate options for restructuring the Iraqi government. Students step into the roles of Iraqi political factions as they struggle to negotiate across ethnic and religious divisions in order to shape the future of a nation they will all share.

Participants in this simulation take up the roles of five political factions: the Iraqi National Congress, the Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq, the Iraqi Islamic Party, the Kurdistan Democratic Party, and the Iraqi Turkmen Front. Together, they must negotiate nine issue areas considered crucial to the process of rebuilding the government of Iraq through development of an interim constitution, the Transitional Administrative Law (TAL). Students will have to navigate discussions regarding not only the structures of government but also the representation of groups within this emerging administration.

A scenario is provided along with a private role sheet to give students additional information about their assigned role's positions and interests. Instructors take an active role in sending news updates (pre-loaded) and other messages within the simulation to provide additional realism. This simulation includes an opportunity for students to develop, debate, and vote on specific proposal plans to address the issues in the scenario. Students build proposal plans using a series of pre-loaded options.

The ICONS Project wishes to thank Dr. Eric Boyer for his collaboration and contributions to the creation of this simulation.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

• One or more Internet-connected computers or devices per team. (Optimized for desktop and laptop computers.)
• Up-to-date web browser. (Internet Explorer is not supported.)
• JavaScript and pop-up windows must be enabled. (Check your browser settings.)
• No plug-ins or additional software required.