The US role in Iraq

Christopher Hill, the US ambassador to Iraq, explains why he believes the country’s recent elections are a “game changer” and that Iraq’s best days are ahead of it.

Hill describes Iraqi politics as a dangerous minefield which must be navigated with courage and wisdom.

While reluctant to admit that US influence in Iraq will decline when American troops begin to leave the country, he says he is counting on Iraq’s history of nationalism to stem the rising tide of Iranian influence inside the country.

Inside Iraq talks to the top US diplomat in Baghdad about the future of the country after the March elections and asks how the US role in Iraq will look once US troops have withdrawn.

This episode of Inside Iraq airs from Friday, April 10, 2010 at the following times GMT: Friday: 1730, 2230; Saturday: 0300, 0830; Sunday: 0600, 1230; Monday: 0130.