Deliberation about how to foster peace and democracy in Iraq too often ignores this fact: The administration of property rights in Iraq today is arguably weaker than under ancient Mesopotamian rule.

And while we support calls for a minority safe zone in Iraq as a response to the ISIS genocide, military protection alone will not achieve a sustainable peace. Iraq urgently needs the rule of law. It must protect the property rights of its citizens as a first step toward the establishment of a functioning economy and a stable society.