News

About the Foundation

Background

The Iraq Foundation is a non-profit, 501(C)3 corporation, working for democracy and human rights in Iraq, and for a better international understanding of Iraq's potential as a contributor to political stability and economic progress in the Middle East.

The Foundation was established in 1991 by Iraqi expatriates with the purpose of working with Iraqis and non-Iraqis in promoting its vision. The Foundation is non-partisan, non-sectarian and non-ethnic, and is not affiliated with any other organization or political party.

All contributions to the Iraq Foundation are tax-deductible in the US.

Philosophy

With its educated population and oil reserves, Iraq commands considerable human and natural resources and enjoys a tradition of intellectual and economic prominence in the Middle East. A peaceful Iraq can serve as a stabilizing force and as a catalyst for security and economic prosperity in the region. However, Iraq will only live in peace within its borders and with its neighbors once democracy and accountable government are established. The Iraqi people will only flourish when their civil and human rights are respected.

Objectives

To expand the constituency for democracy among Iraqis. The Foundation works extensively with expatriate Iraqis, who today constitute over 10% of the Iraqi population. Whenever possible, the Foundation maintains direct or indirect contacts within Iraq as well.
To highlight human rights abuses in Iraq. Human rights abuses by the Iraqi state, dismal for the past thirty years, have escalated and multiplied. In a 1995 report, the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights called Iraq's human rights situation the worst of any country since World War II. Without sufficient recognition and exposure of the problem, it will be impossible to embark on a healthy future for Iraq.
To educate non-Iraqis about Iraq and strengthen support for a democratic new beginning. The Foundation endeavors to give a clear understanding of the consequences of totalitarianism in Iraq and the cost in personal suffering, economic collapse, and social disintegration.
To educate non-Iraqis about the potential for Iraq to become a major contributor to democratic reform and socio-economic development in the region in a climate of democracy and an open society.

The Foundation achieves its objectives through a variety of means and instruments, which are described in our Projects section.