The Iraq War: Stay the Course

The Iraq war is one of the most controversial, political, and military issues of our time. It is important that we finish what we started. It is relevant to have an understanding for the reasons of the war.

The terrorist attack against the United States on September 11, 2001 caused America to wake up to the threat of terrorism, especially Al Qaida.  Iraq was seen as a major threat, because it possibly harbored or supported terrorists, who could launch further attacks on the U.S.  Hussein had violated repeated UN Security Council resolutions to allow inspectors into Iran. This was to confirm that Hussein did not have nuclear capability or other weapons of mass destruction. President Bush relied on intelligence reports to include that Hussein was ignoring the UN resolutions, and acquiring weapons of mass destruction including biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons. Also Hussein violated the human rights of his own people by gassing them. President Bush announced a policy of preemptive action against terrorist states that threatened to attack us.

            President Bush asked the UN Security Council to enforce its resolution regarding weapons inspection, and to approve military action against Iraq.  He wanted to work through diplomatic channels first emphasizing that Al Qaeda also intended to attack Germany and France.   The US received strong support from Great Britain, Spain and other nations to go to war.  President Bush made it clear that the military would attack only Hussein and his army, not the people. The President also promised to send food, medicine, and other help to the people of Iraq. Nations such as Russia, France, and Germany opposed a war without UN support.

            The Iraq war began on March 20, 2003 with the massive bombing of Baghdad Within six weeks of the bombing of Baghdad, President Bush announced the end of major combat operations. In December, Saddam Hussein was captured alive. But then things turned for the worst.  Moqtada al-Sadr led a Shiite uprising in several major cities in Iraq. The controversy started over the torture in the Abu Ghraib prison.

            Meanwhile, Iraq needed a new government; it was first governed by an American-led provisional authority. Two months later, the U.S. set up the Iraqi Governing Council. Less than a year later, in June 2004, all power was transferred to the Iraqi authorities. For the first time in 50 years, Iraq had the first democratic elections on January 30, 2005. A few months later, Iraqis voted for a constitution that made Iraq an Islamic Federal Republic, with their own constitution. Six months later, Nouri Maliki was made Prime Minister. One of the first acts of the new government was to put Saddam Hussein on trial and execute him on December 30, 2006.

            By the end of 2006, the Iraq Study Group reported that the situation of increasing violence was serious. President Bush responded by announcing a troop surge. In April, 2007, President Bush vetoed a bill that set a timetable to withdraw troops. But Congress approved $100 billion for the war. The leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq was killed in May. By the fall of 2007, sectarian violence decreased. On the fifth anniversary of the war, President Bush said that the surge was working. Both violence and casualties have been reduced.

Nonetheless, support for the war has declined. Many Americans want us to withdraw from Iraq. They believe it would save the lives of many troops. There would also be more troops to help out with natural disasters and emergencies. Troops could also be deployed to areas where they are needed, such as Afghanistan.

            Opponents also argue that if we stay in Iraq, world opinion against the U.S. will only get worse. Withdrawal would also mean freeing up money. The Iraq war is taking money away from things like education, social security, and becoming independent from oil. Also with Saddam gone, Iraq is no longer a threat to the U.S. Withdrawal from Iraq would pressure Iraqi politicians to reach agreements on how to run their new democracy. We can help Iraq without having troops there, for example by sending weapons and money.

Supporters of the war make a stronger case. The war has been a success because there hasn’t been a terrorist attack on American soil. There cannot be a specific timetable for withdrawal of troops. American troops need to stay in Iraq until the region is stabilized. If American troops leave too soon, Iraq could erupt into a bloody Sunni and Shiite war that could spread to neighboring countries. The terrorists that are fighting against American troops in Iraq might attack civilian western targets on our own soil.

            We need to stay to help stabilize Iraq. This will give the politicians more time to work out their new democracy and more time to train Iraqi troops and police. If Iraq is not stabilized, it could become terrorist breeding ground and a safe place for Osama Bin Laden or another Saddam. Al Qaeda could claim victory against the U.S. and use this to recruit more terrorists. It would also show that terrorist tactics can beat the U.S. military. This will encourage the use of more terrorist tactics.

We should stay because the U.S. military is strong. The U.S. military is gaining more skill in resisting guerilla warfare tactics used by the terrorists. Staying in Iraq will also give them time to hunt down more terrorists. Iraq gives us a base for quickly reaching other terrorist havens in the Middle East. This is especially important if Iran continues to develop its nuclear program and to support terrorist groups.

            Finally, if American troops withdraw, it sends a sign that we won’t stay till the end. Iraqi civilians may not be willing to help us in the future. Some who have helped American troops could be tortured or killed. Withdrawal could have a negative effect worldwide if Iraq becomes unstable. Oil prices could soar, affecting both the American and world economy.

Regardless of one’s opinion on whether the war in Iraq is justified, the United States should stay there until the job is done.