Commentary: Let Iraq be a reminder that consensus isn’t necessarily a positive end in itself.
and an estimated 300,000 lives. It led to a violent insurgency and the creation of the Islamic State militant group. Generations of Iraqis will continue to suffer the consequences.
But this failure had a slew of enablers on both sides of the aisle and across the national security industry: people driven by fear, both personal and political, and simple, old-fashioned revenge. Emotion, not reason, drove this consensus, with patriotism playing a strong part too. It was easy to go along with the “Rah-rah America” refrain. Questioning it was considered weak, and the more who went along with it, the harder it was for others to raise their hand and object.
I write this today not simply to lament mistakes of the past but in hopes it makes us more cautious and self-aware in the future.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Iraq in 2023 is a very different place to 2003 IraqBAGHDAD, Iraq — The Iraqi capital in 2023 is far different from Baghdad in 2003. Ramadi and Fallujah, once the hotbed of insurgency, are not only peaceful but also booming with construction and commerce. Sectarianism is, at least among the 50% of the population born after the war, in the rearview…
Read more »
Two Decades After Invasion of Iraq, Debates Continue Over Divisive WarThis week marks two decades since the U.S. launched its invasion of Iraq. The anniversary is sparking reflection on the legacy of the conflict. See perspectives and analysis across the spectrum from jacobin, BBCWorld, and davidfrum:
Read more »
20 years ago, San Diego-based units were among first in IraqMore than 20,000 Marines and sailors under the command of the Camp Pendleton-based I Marine Expeditionary Force and its infantry element, the 1st Marine Division, rolled into Iraq over the Kuwaiti border on March 20, 2003.
Read more »
Gen. David Petraeus weighs in on Iraq War, 20 years laterByron Pitts spoke with retired four-star General David Petraeus about the 20th anniversary of the invasion of Iraq.
Read more »
Veterans reflect on deployments 20 years after Iraq War beganNEW YORK — (NEW YORK) -- ABC News National Correspondent Stephanie Ramos says she 'never thought' the military would be in her future while growing up. But soon after the 9/11 terror attacks, Ramos joined the Army Reserve. Five years later, she was deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, and was there for a year before returning home.
Read more »