Evaluation of the decision to go to war in Iraq

Sunmade A.

Order the writing of a tailor-made International affairs Essay

Free quote online

Essay Format .doc

Evaluation of the decision to go to war in Iraq

Download

Read an extract

Reader
Abstract
Contents
Extract

Abstract

When President Bush instigated a preemptive strike against the country of Iraq, voices of protests erupted from all sides of the globe. A preemptive strike against a sovereign nation had never been undertaken since the inception of the United Nations after World War II. Despite this, however, President Bush vehemently argued that with the capability to produce and use weapons of mass destruction, Saddam Hussein posed a significant threat to the security not only of the United States but also to the entire free world. Until Saddam was removed from power, terrorist operations in the Middle East could not be effectively stopped. Bush's case for going to war appeared to be air-tight.

Introduction
The War In Iraq?An Overview
These reasons for war, which have been widely espoused by both Democrats and Republicans alike clearly stand outside of the faulty intelligence that was given to the president following the 9/11 attacks.
Other authors examining the benefits that were derived from Saddam being removed from power, have noted that with Saddam out of the picture, the US and its allies do not have to worry about the onset of a large scale attack from Iraq.
While Saddam had developed a demonstrative reputation for himself, Zuckerman argues that no one action of Saddam's had more power toward influencing his followers than his actions upon capture.
The Coalition Provisional Authority, which manages Iraq's public spending, has steadily increased salaries, fueling commerce that is creating jobs and giving many Iraqis a feeling of prosperity they had never known.
Other scholars examining the issue of timeframe with respect to the war in Iraq note that many of the Coalition Forces that joined the US in its efforts to liberate Iraq either now considering or have already withdrawn from the country.
Despite notable criticism of the Bush Administration's decision to go to war with Iraq, it is clear, that when all is said and done, the US made the right decision in this case.

Get this table of contents for free after login.

Extract

[...] With the realization that there is currently mounting pressure for the US to withdraw its troops from Iraq, this investigation considers the decision of the Bush Administration to go to war with Iraq in 2003. Drawing on the various positive outcomes that have resulted as a consequence of the war, this research argues that the Bush Administration made the right decision to go to war in 2003. However, based on this research, it will be possible to also argue that the US should have developed a more rigid timeframe for the withdrawal of troops from the country. [...]

[...] War in Iraq and the resulting capture of Saddam Hussein have alleviated the threat that Iraq poses to the West wary , 2003). Zuckerman (2004) supports the assertions made with respect to the pervasive threat that Saddam posed to the international community. Summarizing the past 25 years of Saddam's rule, Zuckerman makes the following observations: He invaded Iran in 1980, started the tanker war in the Persian Gulf in 1984, made war on the Shiites of Iran, used poison gas on the Iranians and nerve gas on his own people. [...]

[...] Drawing on past experience, it is evident that the US military may need to have an exit strategy to ensure that Iraq can acquire some degree of self-sufficiency and stability in the future. In this context, diplomats and negotiators would be best served to support the development of the country. Conclusion Despite notable criticism of the Bush Administration's decision to go to war with Iraq, it is clear, that when all is said and done, the US made the right decision in this case. [...]

[...] McCarty goes on to note that in a recent survey of Iraqi citizens researchers found that 93 believed that the conditions in Iraq would improve in the near future. What this data clearly suggests is that even though the invasion of Iraq is one that has brought with it considerable change for the country and its citizens a vast majority are optimist about the future. Given the widespread social oppression and economic blight that had once been an integral part of everyday life in Iraq, this change is one that represents a substantial accomplishment. [...]

[...] In addition to the benefits that have been garnered from the capture of Saddam Hussein, research on the Iraq War demonstrates that the liberation of the Iraqi people has meant many improvements in daily life for citizens. Because of the US occupation, many Iraqi citizens now have hope that their future will be better. As such, the US has brought hope to a nation that was once entrenched in the brutal dictatorship of a ruthless tyrant. While the benefits that have been afforded as a direct result of the Iraq War are quite extensive, what is troubling is the Bush Administration's lack momentum toward ending US military occupation in the country. [...]

doc