Saddam flagrantly ignored them, defied sanctions, stole money intended for the Iraqi people, slaughtered enemies, financed terrorism, contributed to destabilizing the region, built a network in black market oil, and thumbed his nose at UN inspectors sent to monitor his compliance. A UN-sanctioned alliance had defeated Saddam in the first Gulf war and imposed stringent conditions on Baghdad in return for peace. If, instead, the Arab Spring ends with extremist Islamic regimes imposing religious rule and worsening the threat against Israel, there will be a lot less eagerness to cite Iraq as the launching pad.Īs mentioned, I though Bush had every right to go after Saddam Hussein. And if those rebellions against corrupt government succeed in improving life and decreasing tensions across the Middle East, Iraq may indeed one day be hailed as a vital trigger to it all (though whether it’s viewed as an act of far-sighted statesmanship, or an unforeseen fluke by a yee-ha president, will likely still spark lively debate). Most recently, the war is singled out as the starting point of the Arab Spring. How successful and long-lasting the experiment will prove remains to be seen. And it’s true: Iraq has had democratic elections, and has established a government chosen by the people. Latterly it became the establishment of democratic rule, which is a tougher motive to challenge, and which (as Panetta’s speech indicates) the U.S. There was also the removal of Saddam Hussein, a worthy enough goal, though given the surplus of lunatic autocrats in the world, why he should have been singled out remains an issue. Originally there was the case against WMD, which disappeared when the troops arrived and couldn’t find any. economic situation be nearly as dire as it is today? Seems unlikely.Īnd what was gained? I doubt there will be anything approaching a clear answer on that for decades to come. Bush hadn’t spent that trillion dollars - which he had to borrow - would the U.S. A massive economic cost to Iraq a trillion dollars in U.S. troops killed, plus 32,200 wounded, plus hundreds more among British and other allies. How many more undocumented deaths is anyone’s guess. More than 100,000 documented civilian deaths, which continue to this day. Obviously, the cost is a big reason for that. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Manage Print Subscription / Tax Receipt.
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