Coalition Provisional Authority

Definition

The Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) was the transitional government established by the United States and its allies in Iraq after the 2003 invasion. Tasked with governing and rebuilding Iraq, the CPA aimed to facilitate the transition to a stable, democratic government, but faced significant challenges due to security issues and local resistance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Coalition Provisional Authority was established in April 2003, shortly after the fall of Baghdad, and was led by Paul Bremer as its administrator.
2. The CPA had broad powers to make decisions regarding Iraq’s governance, economy, and security, effectively operating as a temporary government until a new Iraqi administration could be established.
3. One of the CPA's key initiatives was the reconstruction of Iraq’s infrastructure, which had been severely damaged during the invasion and subsequent fighting.
4. The CPA faced widespread criticism for its handling of post-war security and reconstruction efforts, leading to increased violence and instability in Iraq.
5. The authority officially dissolved in June 2004, handing over power to an interim Iraqi government, but its policies continued to have lasting impacts on Iraq's political landscape.

Review Questions

• How did the Coalition Provisional Authority address the immediate needs of governance and security in post-invasion Iraq?
  • The Coalition Provisional Authority took on the role of governing Iraq immediately after the invasion by establishing order and attempting to rebuild essential infrastructure. It aimed to restore basic services like electricity and water while also addressing security concerns by overseeing a coalition of military forces. However, the authority's decisions, including disbanding the Iraqi army, led to further instability and resistance from local populations.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Coalition Provisional Authority's policies during its administration of Iraq. What were some successes and failures?
  • The Coalition Provisional Authority had mixed results during its time in Iraq. On one hand, it successfully oversaw elections and laid groundwork for a democratic process. On the other hand, it faced criticism for its de-Ba'athification policy, which alienated many Iraqis and contributed to sectarian violence. The CPA’s failure to provide adequate security or rebuild infrastructure quickly resulted in widespread unrest, undermining initial goals of stabilization.
• Assess how the actions taken by the Coalition Provisional Authority influenced Iraq's political landscape following its dissolution. What long-term impacts can be identified?
  • The actions taken by the Coalition Provisional Authority significantly shaped Iraq's political landscape after its dissolution. The emphasis on de-Ba'athification led to power vacuums that fueled sectarian tensions and contributed to the rise of insurgent groups. Moreover, the CPA's failure to establish a cohesive governance structure allowed for corruption and inefficiency within the new Iraqi government. These factors continue to influence ongoing conflicts and political struggles in Iraq today.

Related terms

Operation Iraqi Freedom: The military operation initiated by the United States and coalition forces in March 2003 to overthrow Saddam Hussein and establish a new government in Iraq.

Iraqi Governing Council: A body formed by the CPA in July 2003 to represent various political factions and ethnic groups in Iraq, tasked with advising the CPA and preparing for the transition to Iraqi sovereignty.

De-Ba'athification: The policy implemented by the CPA aimed at removing members of Saddam Hussein's Ba'ath Party from positions of power in the new Iraqi government, which led to significant controversy and unrest.