The Iraq War has caused the largest population displacement in the Middle East since 1948. Sectarian fighting, political and criminal violence, lack of basic services, loss of livelihoods, spiraling inflation and uncertainty about the future have pushed more than four million Iraqis from their homes and have made another four million dependent on assistance. Neighboring states, burdened by the influx of refugees and concerned for their own security, have imposed visa restrictions and effectively cut off entry. The Iraqis that have fled to neighboring countries face tremendous uncertainties, including the threat of deportation. Regional governments, coalition forces, and international organizations are grappling with the growing catastrophe and are devising strategies to ameliorate the humanitarian crisis while protecting against security vulnerabilities.

In December 2007 and March 2008 the Heinrich Böll Foundation North America organized two events on this subject:

    * December 6th, 2007: Iraq's Displacement Crisis and the International Response (in Cooperation with the Center for American Progress, Washington, DC)
    * March 4, 2008: Follow-up event (in Cooperation with hbf Brussels, Belgium)