The Iraq Question by Doug Melvin, Homeland Security

Doug Melvin volunteered to serve as the first Country Director for Department of Homeland Security in Iraq in March 2004. As Security Director for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Doug’s experiences in Iraq from May 2004 to July 2005 were some of the most difficult, dangerous, and rewarding jobs that he’d done on international migration and counter-insurgency work.

During his assignment, Doug found himself working with a number of talented and dedicated government officials, which he talks about in this blog.

While serving as the Country Director for Iraq, on behalf of Secretary Ridge and his successor Secretary Chertoff, I had the opportunity to work very closely with General Petraeus, Ambassador Negroponte, and Ambassador Jefferies on the transformation of the Iraqi customs, immigration, and border security forces. A great deal of credit should go to them for supporting and making possible some significant accomplishments with enhancing the Department of Border Enforcement.

Without their efforts and support, and that of Secretary Ridge and Chertoff, there would have been far more death and destruction subjected to collation forces and the Iraqi people. Clearly the start of the transformation, as the process is still underway, has saved countless lives.