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ISW Iraq Report Release Breakfast
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) will host a breakfast event to release its latest Iraq Report, The Fragmentation of the Sadrist Movement, by ISW Research Manager Marisa Cochrane. Cochrane explains what caused the Sadrist movement to fade from prominence and how the Sadrists are likely to fare in Iraq's upcoming provincial elections. The report offers new evidence that links Iranian-backed Special Groups with the Asaib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) terrorist group, led by formerly close associates of Muqtada al-Sadr.
Cochrane holds a Bachelor's Degree in International Studies from Boston College, where she held a Presidential Scholarship and won the prestigious McCarthy Award for her scholarship in the Social Sciences. She has also studied at the London School of Economics. Cochrane is currently studying Arabic. She will serve in Iraq as the Command Historian for General Odierno and Multi-National Force - Iraq from late January through March, 2009. Her research at ISW focuses on Shi'a political movements and militia groups. She is also the author Iraq Reports 9 and 11, The Battle for Basra and Special Groups Regenerate.
<p>Iraqi soldiers search guests prior to allowing entrance into a Civil Service Corps ceremony in the northwest palace archeological site in Nimrud, Iraq, Jan. 4, 2009. The corps is an Iraqi funded on the job training program to provide miltiary-aged males trade skills, which will provide not only employment opportunities, but will also provide the community with services not readily available. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. JoAnn S. Makinano/Released).</p>