Original U.S. and Coalition Psychological Operations Pamphlet, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq, 2005

Original tri-fold U.S. and Coalition psychological operations pamphlet produced during Operation Iraqi Freedom in the aftermath of Iraq’s January 30, 2005 elections. The pamphlet presents the election as the first step in Iraq’s political transition and encourages public confidence in the process leading toward the Transitional National Assembly, a permanent constitution, a public referendum, and elections for a permanent Iraqi government.

Operation: Operation Iraqi Freedom

Conflict and War: Iraq War

Year: 2005

Country and Theater: Iraq

Language: Arabic

Format: Original printed tri-fold pamphlet, double-sided

Provenance: Hand-distributed tri-fold acquired from the family of a U.S. military commander.

Translation:

Front cover: “Free elections for a free Iraq.”

Interior left panel: “A free Iraq,” shown beside a hand with ink-stained fingers in the colors of the Iraqi flag.

Interior center panel: “Free elections for a free Iraq.”

Interior right panel: “Our life, our country, our future.” The text presents the January 30 election as the first step toward deciding Iraq’s future and states that further steps remain ahead.

Additional interior headings include “Progress toward...” and “We are making progress,” describing reconstruction, education, health, public services, employment, electricity, and communications. Another section titled “The road ahead...” outlines the political process after the election, including the formation of the National Assembly, drafting of a permanent constitution, a public referendum, and the eventual election of a permanent Iraqi government.

Reverse photo captions:

“In Baghdad, a man carries his son to the electoral center to participate in free elections.”

“A voter shows his ink-stained finger.”

“Two women in Kirkuk leave the electoral center.”

Imagery: One side shows a pale gray design with a photograph of an elderly Iraqi man holding election material, overlaid with faint Iraqi flag elements and the Arabic slogan “Free elections for a free Iraq.” The reverse uses documentary photographs of Iraqi voters, including a man carrying a child, a voter displaying an ink-stained finger, and two women leaving a polling place. The opened interior includes a large illustrated hand with ink-stained fingers colored yellow and blue, an Iraqi map, an Iraqi flag, and blocks of Arabic text explaining the election and transition process.

Objective: To encourage Iraqi civilians to view the January 30, 2005 election as the first step in a broader political transition, linking participation and public support to constitutional drafting, referendum, representative government, reconstruction, and a more stable future after the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime.

Condition: Very good condition. Complete tri-fold pamphlet with clear printing, intact panels, legible Arabic text, and strong image preservation. Light creasing, fold wear, minor surface marks, and gentle handling wear are visible, but the pamphlet remains clean, stable, and fully readable.

Exhibited in Khajistan: Office of War Information (O.W.I.) at Pioneer Works, New York, May 08 – Aug 09, 2026.