A native of Iraq, Rend al-Rahim was selected by the Iraqi Governing Council in November 2003 to be Iraq’s senior diplomatic representative in Washington, D.C. She is a founder of the Iraq Foundation and was its executive director from 1991 to November 2003.


The Iraq Foundation works to advance and support democracy and human rights in Iraq and foster a better international understanding of Iraq’s potential as a contributor to political stability and economic progress in the Middle East. Ambassador al-Rahim has written policy papers and successfully networked with government officials, international institutions, and non-governmental organizations.


Ambassador al-Rahim has worked extensively with Iraqis in Iraq, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. Additionally, she has published numerous writings on Iraq, including: The Iraqi Opposition in Iraq After the Gulf War, Iraq: Race to the Finish Line, and The Iraqi Opposition and the Sanctions Issue. Ms. al-Rahim earned degrees from Cambridge University and the Sorbonne.


On Tuesday, June 29, 2004, one day after the US-led Coalition Provisional Authority transferred sovereignty to Iraq, Aambassador designate al-Rahim addressed the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) in Washington, D.C. Her remarks before AEI are provided below. Additionally, Ambassador al-Rahim has provided critical testimony before the U.S. Congress regarding the relationship between Iraq and the United States, political reform, and democracy building in Iraq.


Below, we have provided Ambassador al-Rahim’s June 29, 2004, speech before the American Enterprise Institute entitles, “What Next, Iraqi’s Take Control.” Additionally below is Ambassador al-Rahim’s June 15, 2004, statement before the House Committee on Government Reform, Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats, and International Relations. Finally, we have provided the August 1, 2002, statement of Ambassador Al-Rahim, then executive director of the Iraq Foundation, before the Committee on Foreign Relations of the U.S. Senate.


Click here to read Ms. al-Rahim’s statement at the American Enterprise Institute on June 29, 2004.


Click here to read Ms. al-Rahim’s statement before the House Committee on Government Reform, June 2004.


Click here to read Ms. al-Rahim’s statement before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, August 2002.