​On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the occupation of Iraq, the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies organizes an international academic conference between​ April 10 and 11, 2013. The conference titled "The International and Regional Repercussions of the Invasion and Occupation of Iraq and the Impact of Occupation on Iraq's Structure and Future" will bring together a select group of scholars, academics and researchers.

The papers that were presented at the conference attempted to examine the real changes caused by the occupation of Iraq, the promotion of divisiveness along sectarian and ethnic lines, and the repercussions of the invasion of Iraq on international and regional power balances and its implications on the political, economic, and social levels. Additionally, the papers explored future prospects and anticipated the coming shifts in the situation in Iraq.

Dr. Azmi Bishara, General Director of the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies, gave the opening remarks of the conference. Bishara began by describing the Anglo-American invasion as a "pivotal incident which changed the course of history" in the region. According to Bishara, the invasion and occupation of Iraq left an indelible mark on the Arabs' understanding of global politics. He further stressed that the invasion did more than any other event to push back the advancement of democracy in the Arab Levant, by creating hysterical fear of change amongst the population.

The English translation of Dr. Bishara's speech can be found here.