WORLD SECURITY INSTITUTE

Retired Gen. Anthony Zinni: Realities and Requirements for the Future of Iraq

3 December 2006

With the Baker-Hamilton report nearing completion, Americans are anxiously awaiting fresh ideas on how the US presence in Iraq must change in order to combat the escalating violence; A new policy brief by retired Marine Corps General Anthony Zinni, a distinguished military fellow at the World Security Institute, provides these ideas, along with crucial thinking on a structure to implement any US action plan, which is sorely overlooked in the current debate.

PRESS RELEASE:   Dec. 3, 2006
CONTACT:   Suzanne Ostrofsky, 202-797-5273,

According to Zinni, the American people sent a clear message on Nov. 7 that they will no longer accept the current course in Iraq. With few good policy options left, the former head of Central Command suggests that we look at what might still work instead of what the administration will accept.  Among his chief recommendations is the call for a Bipartisan Executive Group to oversee the vetting or screening of recommendations; to oversee and plan implementation; to monitor progress and determine resource requirements; to garner regional and international support; and to integrate efforts between government agencies.

• The new policy brief, released Dec. 3, 2006, is available by clicking here.

Hard copies will be printed shortly, please contact Ron Hinrichs, 202-797-5287, or , if you would like to be added to our mailing list. A press briefing is forthcoming.

About Gen. Anthony Zinni (ret.):

The former commander in chief of U.S. Central Command, Marine Corps Gen. Anthony Zinni is advising the World Security Institute (WSI) on a wide range of issues, from U.S. military strategy to policy on the Middle East.

Zinni, who retired in July 2000 after nearly 40 years of service, was head of U.S. Central Command, MacDill Air Force Base, Fla., from 1997 to 2000, a position that included responsibility for 25 countries ranging from the Horn of Africa and Egypt to the Arabian Peninsula to Southwest and Central Asia. From 1994 to 1996, he commanded the I Marine Expeditionary Force; during 1995, he commanded the Combined Task Force for Operation United Shield protecting the withdrawal of U.N. forces from Somalia. Zinni served in several other capacities in Somalia: from 1992-1993 as operations director for the Unified Task Force Somalia for Operation Restore Hope; and in 1993, as assistant to the U.S. Special Envoy to Somalia during Operation Continue Hope.

His decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster; the Distinguished Service Medal; the Defense Superior Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters; the Bronze Star with Combat 'V' and gold star in lieu of a second award; the Purple Heart; the Meritorious Service Medal with gold star; the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat 'V' and gold star; Navy Achievement Medal with gold star; the Combat Action Ribbon; and personal decorations from South Vietnam, France, Italy, Egypt, Kuwait, Yemen and Bahrain.

Zinni has attended The Basic School, Army Special Warfare School, Amphibious Warfare School, Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and the National War College. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics, and master's degrees in management and supervision, and international relations.

About the World Security Institute (WSI):

WSI is a non-profit organization committed to independent research and journalism on global affairs.

Given the extraordinary growth of global interdependence, WSI provides an innovative approach to communication, education, and cooperation on the social, economic, environmental, political and military components of international security.

Through a variety of publications and services, WSI provides news and research-based analysis to policy-makers around the globe - from decision-makers in Washington, D.C., and Moscow to scholars in the Farsi- and Arabic-speaking world to scientists in China. WSI serves as an authoritative and impartial monitor of security issues, while continuing to meet the increasing worldwide demand for information and independent ideas.

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