Iraq War

The Iraq War by Bronson Scott

English 1312 November 3, 2013 Professor Daliborka Crnkovi Abstract

Iraq War

This research paper will examine why the United States determined that Iraq posed a threat to the United States and our Allies. It will also illuminate the circumstances that led to the invasion of Iraq. Why did the Congress agree to use military force against Iraq? Last but not least, it will also examine the consequences of the war.

WHY DID THE UNITED STATES DETERMINE THAT IRAQ POSED A THREAT TO THE UNITED STATES AND OUR ALLIES?

Iraq War

The attack of September 11th 2001 united the American people with pride, patriotism and uncertainty. The attacks on the World Trade Centers, Pentagon and Flight 93 rocked the American peoples faith that such an attack could happen on American soil. Americans received an enormous wake up call to modern day terrorism. On November 25, 2002, Homeland Security was established to protect the Homeland. The Bush administration started to evaluate threats towards United States; Saddam Hussein of Iraq became a person of attentiveness. According to Hinnesbusch (2003), The first hurdle the Bush administration had to clear was to legitimize war on a state that did not threaten the US. The issue of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) was hit upon as a way to turn the 'war on terrorism' against Iraq; to do so, Bush had to claim that Saddam Hussein was linked to Al-Qaeda and was actively developing weapons of mass destruction which he might turn over to terrorists or use on their behalf . BBC (1986) claims Iraq is known to have used the blister agent mustard gas from 1983 and the nerve gas Tabun from 1985, as it faced attacks from "human waves" of Iranian troops and poorly-trained but loyal volunteers. According to BBC (1986), Saddam Hussein In 1988 Iraq turned its chemical weapons on Iraqi Kurds in the north of the country The Bush administration did have cautionary concern about Saddam Hussein since Saddam Hussein had refused to let UN inspector search for chemical weapons that had been mandate by United Nations Resolutions. BBC (1986) states estimated casualties are around 5,000. Saddam also had a history of supporting the Palestinians cause which some people consisted a terrorist organization again Israel. Yang (2006) of ABC news reports, 25 Palestinians are called to the stage one by one. Each is handed a check a gift from Saddam Hussein. Each recipient is the mother, father, wife or other close relative of either a suicide bomber or someone killed in a clash with Israeli soldiers or security guards at settlements in the Gaza Strip or West Bank.

Iraq War

President Bush referred to this as money for solicits murder. Yang (2006) also claims An official of the charity that distributes the money says it symbolizes solidarity between Iraqis and Palestinians both, he says, targets of American aggression. Saddam Hussein with his own actions of trying to prove that he was defiant to United States and the United Nations might have doomed his own fate. His bravado and ego might have impressed his Arab neighbors; however not those who thought that Iraq posed a threat to the United States and its Allies. If we look at the circumstances that lead to the invasion of Iraq, Saddam provided a threat not only to the United Station but to the world. He had used chemical weapons not once but on several occasions and had ignored world demands to disclose and destroy his arsenal of chemical weapons. He also supported at least one known terrorist group the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES LED TO THE INVASION OF IRAQ? In January 29, 2002 President Bush addressed the United States public in his State of the Union speech about his concerns about Saddam Hussein WMDs in Iraq. In his speech, he declared three known governments were helping terrorist and seeking weapons of mass destruction. Iran, Korea and Iraq were named the Axis of Evil. Baker and Linzer of Washington Post (2005) reports: Iraq continues to flaunt its hostility toward America and to support terror. The Iraqi regime has plotted to develop anthrax, nerve gas, and nuclear weapons for over a decade. This is a regime that has already used poison gas to murder thousands of its own citizens, leaving the bodies of mothers huddled overwhelmingly their dead children. This is a regime that agreed to international inspections and then kicked out the inspectors . This is a regime that has something to hide from the civilized world. States like these, and their terrorist allies, constitute an axis of evil, arming to threaten the peace of the world. By seeking weapons of mass destruction, these re-

Iraq War

gimes pose a grave and growing danger. They could provide these arms to terrorists, giving them the means to match their hatred. They could attack our allies or attempt to blackmail the United States. In any of these cases, the price of indifference would be catastrophic. We will work closely with our coalition to deny terrorists and their state sponsors the materials, technology and expertise to make and deliver weapons of mass destruction. Iraqs refusal and belligerent attitude toward United Nations inspectors did not go well with a Nation that was still reeling from 9/11. At first, the House of Representatives were not supportive for the use of the U.S military. Saddam Husseins defiant attitude continued against the United States and the United Nations. President George Bush began to build a case on how Iraq needed to change so they wouldnt become a threat to the United States and the world. Resolution 1441 would come back into play once Iraq would restrict inspectors again. President Bush went before the U.N council and told them if they didnt act with more punishment, the U.S would use military action. Since the United Nations didnt approve of Bushs decision, President Bush went to congress asking to declare war on Iraq. Instead of declaring war, the house passed a bill allowing the use of military force. According to Mr. Hastert (2003) of congress, Iraqs continuing weapons of mass destruction programs threatened vital United States interests and international peace and security, declared Iraq to be in material and unacceptable breach of its international obligations and urged the President to take appropriate action, in accordance with the Constitution and relevant laws of the United States, to bring Iraq into compliance with its international obligations. WHY DID THE CONGRESS AGREE TO MILITARY FORCE AGAINST IRAQ?

Iraq War

Congressional Resolution on Iraq (2002)After the liberation of Kuwait in 1991, Iraq entered into a United Nations sponsored cease-fire agreement pursuant to which Iraq unequivocally agreed, among other things, to eliminate its nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons programs and the means to deliver and develop them, and to end its support for international terrorism. Saddam Husseins defiance to these conditions made him a target for President Bush fight against terrorism. This agreement further convinced Congress that Saddam Hussein was a threat to the United States. The under public law 107-40 was signed by the 107th Congress after 9/11. President of the United States has the authority under the Constitution to take action in order to deter and prevent acts of international terrorism against the United States, as Congress recognized in the joint resolution on Authorization for Use of Military Force PUBLIC LAW 10740 dated September 18, 2001. The CIA (Iraqs WMDs program) report Iraq has continued its WMD programs in defiance of UN resolutions and restrictions. Baghdad has chemical and biological weapons as well as missiles with ranges in excess of UN restrictions; if left unchecked, it probably will have a nuclear weapon during this decade. This report did support Presidents Bushs claim that Saddam Hussein was hiding weapons of Mass destruction. Saddams arrogance and bravado convinced many U.S. law makers that the invasion of Iraq was necessary. The CIA (Iraqs WMDs program) also made some bold assumptions Baghdad hides large portions of Iraq's WMD efforts. Revelations after the Gulf war starkly demonstrate the extensive efforts undertaken by Iraq to deny information. Since inspections ended in 1998, Iraq has maintained its chemical weapons effort, energized its missile program, and invested more heavily in biological weapons; most analysts assess Iraq is reconstituting its nuclear weapons program. President Bush was given all the information that he needed to address Congress. On October 2, 2002 Congress authorized the

Iraq War

use of Military Force against Iraq. On March 19, 2003 President Bush stated to the American people on public television My fellow citizens, at this hour Americans and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger. But by Iraq having these weapons it would violate the laws passed down by the United Nations which made him disarm his missiles due to the fact of attacking Kuwait (Kutzman 2003). Operation Iraqi Freedom the U.S.-led coalition military operation in Iraq, was launched on March 20, 2003, with the immediate stated goal of removing Saddam Husseins regime and destroying its ability to use weapons of mass destruction or to make them available to terrorists. According to CRS.Gov Over time, the focus of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) shifted from regime removal to the more open-ended mission of helping the Government of Iraq (GoI) improve security, establish a system of governance, and foster economic development. Operation Iraqi Freedom ended on May 1, 2003. The Iraqi military was no match for the most powerful, advanced technology military force in the world. According to Allawi, (2007) Why did the worlds only superpower see fit to marshal its huge military and financial resources, cross the ocean, and over throw a tyrant and his brutal system of rule, in the teeth of overwhelming international hostility? The Iraqi military was defeated and many turned to insurgency tactic. Iraqi insurgency continues to cost many Iraqi fatalities even today. From the standpoint of Mr. Allawi, for most Iraqis it did not make sense; however for the international community it was clear. WHAT WERE THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE WAR? Before we look at the consequences of the war we must first examine some facts of what shaped Iraq after the invasion. The United States went into this country not having a clear objec-

Iraq War

tive after the disarmament of Saddam Husseins WMD programs. To some yes they saved Iraq and the people. But did they really save them or did we introduce a Democratic society that the people didnt want and didnt care for? This is an important question, because how can you get people to buy into something that they dont care about? Its like telling your kids to eat their vegetables because its good for them, when in fact they know it doesnt taste good. Did the people of Iraq really want a democratic society? According to Allawi (2007) There were no public cheers for democracy and no indications that this was the peoples hungering for the freedoms and liberties of the west. The Iraqi opposition or at least people who had access to official Washington had their own agenda with Saddam now out of power. Raymond Hinnesbusch believes, the real reason to invade wasnt just for the WMDs but more for oil. The United States is very dependent on oil and Iraq just had to be the best in the world with oil. Hinnesbusch (2003) said However, as long as Saddam was in power, its oil could not be used for US benefit; the sanctions the US believed essential to contain Saddam meant most Iraqi oil remained off the market. So by relieving him from the dictatorship, the United States would have a better chance of getting oil. Consequences of the war have led to favoritism, corruption, and greed. Machiavelli stated, There is nothing more difficult to manage, or more doubtful of success, or more dangerous to handle than to take the lead in introducing a new order of things. (pg.52) This quote is so much on target when you view the Iraq war. The coalition of the willing took on a challenge that posed so many challenges and rewards. They took a powerful tyrant and all of his barbarian henchmen and gave the people the opportunity of a new beginning, a reawakening and hope. But with a new government comes great change. Jan. 30, 2005 Iraq held its first competitive election in fifty years. A total of 8.5 million people voted about 58% of those Iraqis were eligible to do so. (The Iraq War (2003) pg. 52) The Iraqi police became more in-

Iraq War

volved and trained with the Coalition Forces for the security of their people and country. The Coalition forces trained women to be self-reliant in protecting themselves and were given the opportunity to run for office. The United States even helped young children in Iraq by setting them up with school supplies and even starts a pen pal program with kids in the U.S. The Iraqi people formed a new government and had a new constitution drafted on October 15, 2005 which would require a majority national vote, but could as be rejected if at least 18 provinces say no. (The Iraq War (2003)) The people of Iraq have made great strides, great leaps of hope; however at a prize that no one will understand. There have been about 190,000 lives that have been lost from the Iraq War. Most of these people who lost their lives were innocent civilians. According to CoeIho of Brown University more than 70 percent of those who died of direct war violence have been civilians. Their economy, society and way of life have been turned upside down. The constant bombing and uncertainty about their government and what will happen should the coalition of the willing leave. According to Allawi (2007)The reaction of the average Iraqi didnt appear to be outraged by the violation of their countries sovereignty and the obvious affront to Arab independence. A US-Iraqi security agreement that went into effect on January 1, 2009 which confirmed the Iraqis responsibility for their own security. According to Dale (2009) The goal of the Coalition of the willing was to help Iraqis build a new Iraq that is prosperous and free. The consequences of the war will not be known for many years to come. We know that the consequences for the United States has left us with a distaste for war and with a downsize economy. We sacrificed 4,488 of our future and brave American young service members and 2.2 trillion dollars most of this money was borrowed. Consequences of the war have taken a huge impact in our lives not only economically but socially. O. Garcia (Personal Communication October, 28, 2013)

Iraq War

10

stated, most of our children have grown up in a society that has only known war. Everyone you talk to has a father, son, or relative that has serviced in Iraq.

This Picture is important because it symbolizes the start of a new nation a democratic. The people from Iraq gathered together to watch as the evil tyrant statue fell. Once it fell the entire Iraqi nation roared into cheer celebrating a new beginning in Iraq. In War there is never a winner just loser. There are many intricate facts why the United States viewed Saddam Hussein as a threat. Some are facts, some are educated guesses and others are conspiracy theories. America sacrificed 4,488 American service members die and incurred a $2.4 Trillion dollar in debt most of which was borrowed. America was still looking for an answer after the attack on September 11, 2001. Scared of new attacks and those that would harm America, Saddam Hussein would seem the most logical choice. Saddam Husseins bravado, arrogance and defiance of the United Nations and the United States made him an Arab idol an American target. Saddam Hussein had a history of the using mustard gas, sarin gas and taban gas and the willingness to use it indiscriminately against anyone. He had used it against Iran in 1986 and then on his own people the Kurds in 1988. The CIA (Iraqs WMD programs) report stated that Iraq has continued its WMD programs in defiance of UN resolutions and restrictions. Baghdad has chemical and biological weapons as well as missiles with ranges in excess of UN restrictions; if left unchecked, it probably will have a nuclear weapon during this decade. He

Iraq War

11

provided money to families of suicide bombers, received $25,000 each and families of those killed in confrontations with Israel, and got $10,000. Those who houses are destroyed by the Israeli military get $5,000 and those wounded by Israelis get $1,000. Was this enough for the United States to consider him a threat to the United States? The circumstances that led to invasion of Iraq are clear. Saddams refusal for United Nations sponsored cease-fire agreement pursuant to which Iraq unequivocally agreed, among other things, to eliminate its nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons programs and the means to deliver and develop them, and to end its support for international terrorism. Saddam Hussein defiance of United Nation resolutions and the demonstration or lack of will of the UN demonstrated that the UN is a tiger with no teeth and claws. Congress must have thought that there was enough evidence because on October 2002 congress approved the use Military force against Iraq. One is left with the horrible feeling now that war has settled nothing; that to win a war is as disastrous as to lose one.(Agatha Christi 1977) The losers in this Iraq war have been the people of Iraq. The consequences of the war will be felt for many years to come. The people are still in fear of a new government, society changes and religious fighting between Sunni and Shite. You have removed a monster and the Baath party only to be replaced by Shite religious fundamentalist. The United States is now responsible for the next decade to the people of Iraq. It will be like a mother raising a child only this child is a teenager with a mind of its own and to many friends providing advice. History will determine if the United States was right or wrong in invading Iraq. Scholars, historians, and political leaders will use this as an example of what can happen in a misguided or not looking at the culture and society of a country. Time has a way of determining the future and the past. Time will settle the debate of the consequences of the war.

Iraq War

12

The Iraqi people will determine what the future holds, they must decide if they want a democratic society or a tyrant. The United States and the Coalition of the willing will not be there to hold their hand. The Iraqi people must determine their own future for their children and grandchildren. O. Garcia (personal communication, October, 28, 2013) observed the pattern that the Middle East is very slow to change. They would rather stick to their old ways rather than take a leap of faith and move towards possibly a better future for themselves and the following generations. King Faisal I King of Iraq 1932 wrote the following In this regard my heart is filled with sadness, I have to say that it is my belief that there is no Iraqi people inside Iraq. There are only diverse groups with no national sentiments. They are filled with superstitious and false religious traditions with no common grounds between them, they easily accept rumors, and are prone to chaos preparing to revolt against any government. It is our responsibility to form out of this mass one people that we will then guide, train, and educate. Any person who is aware of all the difficult circumstances of this country would appreciate the efforts that have to be exerted to achieve these objectives. According to Pearson of CNN (2013), over 1,000 people have been killed since the American withdraw. At the heart of so many of Iraq's many problems is the deep-seated division between the country's Shiite majority and its Sunni minority.

Iraq War

13

Reference Page Allawi, A. (2007). The occupation of Iraq winning the war, losing the peace. (1st ed., Vol. 1, pp. 01-494). United States of America: Yale University Press publications. Baker , P., & Linzer, D. (2005, August 17). U.s. policy on "axis of evil" suffers spate of setbacks. Retrieved from www.washingtonpost.comChristie, A. (n.d.). Agatha christie quotes. Retrieved from http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/25935-one-is-left-with-the-horriblefeeling-now-that-war CIA. Iraq weapons of mass destruction. (2007, 04 24). Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/reports/general-reports1/iraq_wmd/Iraq_Oct_2002.htm CoeIho, C. (2013, March 14). Iraq war:190,000 lives, 2.2 trillion. Retrieved from http:// news.brown.edu/pressreleases/2013/03/warcosts machiavelli, N. (1532). The prince. (n.a). Congressional resolution on Iraq (passed by house and senate october 2002) - see more at: http://hnn.us/article/1282

Iraq War

14

Dale, C. (2009, April 02). Operation Iraqi freedom. Retrieved from http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/ natsec/RL34387.pdf Hastert, H. (2002). H.j. res. 114. In The House Of Representatives, Retrieved from http:// www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-107hjres114ih/pdf/BILLS-107hjres114ih.pdf Hinnesbusch, R. H. (2007). The american invasion of Iraq: cause and consequences . Unpublished raw data, Institute of Middle East,

Pearson, M. (2013, November 03). In Iraq, a bushel of problems threaten stability. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/01/world/meast/iraq-five-danger-signs/index.html? hpt=wo_c1Saddam iraq's:key events. ((n.d)). Retrieved from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/middle_east/02/iraq_events/html/chemical_warfare.stm War, T. I. (2012). The Iraq war. United States: Defense Department.

Webster, M. (n.d.). Conqueror. Retrieved from http://www.merriamwebster.com/thesaurus/conqueror Yang, J. ((n.a), 01 02). Saddam rewards suicide bombers families. Retrieved from http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/story?id=129914