In January, 2002, President Bush linked Iraq to an “Axis of Evil.” This was the first indication that military intervention in Iraq was on the table. From late 2002 through 2003, Bush laid the groundwork for an invasion. He argued Iraq was reconstituting its nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons programs. For his part, Saddam Hussein let everyone believe he was rebuilding. Hussein’s actions convinced the world and Bush. The deception also led to violations of the 1991 Gulf War Cease Fire which legalized and justified any American-led invasion. As a result of Hussein's actions, the United States invaded Iraq and overthrew the dictator.
Saddam Hussein used weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and had a nuclear weapons program. In the early eighties, Israel eliminated the nuclear threat with an air strike. During the Iran-Iraq War, he used poison gas on Iranian troops. Hussein also gassed Kurds in Northern Iraq. During the 1991 Gulf War, American commanders worried Iraq might use nerve gas against coalition troops. Following the war, Hussein had to account for his weapons of mass destruction and allow weapons inspectors into Iraq.
By 2002, Hussein appeared to be reconstituting his weapons programs. He kicked the weapons inspectors out of the country which violated the Gulf War cease fire and even fired at coalition aircraft in no fly zones. The CIA and other intelligence agencies reported that Iraq was working on a nuclear program, could not account for some of its biological or chemical weapons, and built missiles with a greater range than allowed by U.N. sanctions. While in custody after the 2003 American invasion, Hussein admitted that he wanted the Iranians to believe he was rebuilding. He knew the Americans would eventually leave and needed to deter the Islamic threat. As a result, he acted as though Iraq was working on weapons of mass destruction. Hussein also admitted that he planned to rebuild as soon as possible and was biding his time until the Americans left. His deception fooled the world and cost the dictator his life.
Global intelligence agencies bought the deception and those reports became the basis for war. President Bush urged the United Nations to enforce their resolutions regarding Iraq. Iraq refused to comply and the U.N. was reticent. Some claimed that the diplomats needed time. However, the diplomats already had twelve years to force compliance.
While the U.N. squabbled, Hussein and Bush had choices to make. If Hussein readmitted weapons inspectors, the rationale for war dies. However, Hussein believed readmitting inspectors made him appear weak. If Hussein continued to ignore international law and U.N. resolutions, Bush had to either let it go or invade. The 1991 Gulf War Cease Fire Agreement allowed for a resumption of hostilities if Hussein failed to comply. Despite this, Bush requested another U.N. resolution to provide political cover for Britain's Tony Blair. Britain and most of the world opposed an invasion.
While the international community balked at military action, the American homeland began to splinter over the issue. Democrats and Republicans supported the war and those that viewed the evidence believed Hussein had WMD. Both parties knowingly voted to allow an invasion. However, some on the left began questioning the rationale for war. They argued the war was illegal and that Bush lied to justify the engagement. However, there is no justification for these positions.
The U.S. invaded on March 20, 2003. The Iraqi army collapsed and Baghdad fell on April 9. However, the military failed to consolidate their gains and sent the Iraqi army home with their weapons. Although Hussein was captured and his sons killed, an insurgency developed which attracted terrorists from around the Middle East. Despite the troubles, Iraqis established a democratic government and many voted in a legitimate election for the first time. Meanwhile, the administration muddled through the insurgency until 2007. Finally, Bush launched “the surge” which stabilized the situation and many credit for finally winning the war. Despite this, there is still violence and perceived instability.
To date, 4,700 soldiers have died in Iraq and 32,000 have been wounded. If Iraq develops into a stable democracy and an ally, then the war would have been a success. It will be years before this can be determined. In the very least, a bloodthirsty dictator has been removed. However, weapons of mass destruction were nowhere to be found leading to recriminations and some revisionism amongst the global intelligence community.
The Iraq War occurred because Saddam Hussein fooled the world. He played a high stakes game trying to hold off America while trying to contain Iran. In the end, his efforts led the world to believe he had WMD. As a result, the United States launched an invasion and overthrew the dictator. He was later hanged by his own people. Had Hussein allowed weapons inspectors, and not violated the 1991 Gulf War Cease Fire and numerous U.N. resolutions, he might still be in power today.
Comments