Iraqi lawmakers will descend on Denver again this week to observe local government and civil society in action.
Brought by the U.S. Department of State, 10 Baghdad council members are scheduled to spend three days at the Colorado statehouse and with the Denver Regional Council of Governments.
Another group, expected in March, will meet with Denver Rotarians and fire, police and public works officials in southern suburbs.
Baghdad-Denver sister city volunteers and the Institute for International Education are hosting the Iraqis.
Lawmakers just back from military stints in Iraq — Rep. Joe Rice, D-Littleton, and Sen. Steve Ward, R-Littleton — are participating.
“If you’re trying to build a democratic state, . . . it’s helpful for folks there to come here and see how one works, and perhaps doesn’t work from time to time,” Ward said.
But “Iraq isn’t going to end up with anything that looks like the American system,” he said.
Bruce Finley: 303.954.1700 or bfinley@denverpost.com
