The rush to war in Iraq – Hopes and expectations
Rauf Naqishbendi
July 09, 2007
President George W. Bush was in a hurry to invade Iraq, and his impatience to do so left him with no time for diplomacy. Excitement overpowered wisdom, and unrealistic optimism impeded visionary plans. He defied the league of nations, and rushed to invade Iraq with only mediocre international support. What was President Bush’s mindset, and what were the hopes and promises he held to? The answer, as will be explained further below, is that the hopes inherent in the Iraqi invasion were not confined to Iraq itself and the hope of seeing American power triumphant there, but also included the idea that Iraq would be a beacon of American democracy, shedding its light everywhere, its glory extending far beyond the Middle East to encompass the entire Islamic world.
In many respects, it appeared to be an easy victory. In a military sense, Iraq’s demoralized military force and antiquated war machinery warranted a swift victory for the United States. Politically, Iraq was isolated; its regime was unsupported, resented, and despised, and that allowed America to act without much fear of punishment or loss. The Bush administration’s most conspicuous rationale that this would be an easy feat was that the Iraqi people had been suffering tragically under Saddam and his tyrannical rule, and therefore they would be ready to wholeheartedly cooperate with America, fueled by President Bush’s promise that the US would bring the Iraqi people freedom, food and medicine. The White House counted on the Iraqi people’s support for such an undertaking to the point that they envisioned the Iraqis welcoming the American troops, waving American flags and offering roses and flowers and subsequently glorifying the US’s invasion, extending their deference and gratitude to America. In this envisioned birth of a nation, Iraq would be a free country for the first time since its inception. The Iraqi people would hold their freedom close to their hearts; they would be electing members of their governing body, drafting and ratifying their constitution, and in the end, forming their political and economic system in a secular manner highly inspired by America’s political and economic system. The Bush administration envisioned a free Iraq, treading in the path of economic prosperity, engaging in the rebuilding and reconstruction of their country as well as a social reformation proclaiming social justice. It would be a model of American justice abroad to well justify American superiority and the American way.
But the vision did not stop there, but quickly grew to greater proportions. Following this line of reasoning, Iraq would then be free and this freedom observed by its neighbors, Syria and Iran, the two enemies of the United States. The Iranians and Syrians would observe Iraq’s thriving economy and the blossoming liberty with which the Iraqi people would be blessed under US occupation, and they too would then demand the same. They would revolt against the dictatorial breed, at last shake off the yoke of repression, and become free. Now Iran and Syria would jump onto the American bandwagon, and do what the Iraqi people had done: embrace American democracy. This win-win situation would manifest itself in the gaining of two friends while eliminating two enemies.
Accordingly, Iraq, Iran and Syria all would adopt a democratic system without compromising their national pride or their abiding Islamic faith, and America would get the credit. Soon after, the three countries would advance democracy not by mantra or slogan, but by true deed and practice; the other monarchs and shaky democracies in the Middle East would then collapse, and be replaced by democratic systems. The Middle East, which has never been democratic, would turn entirely to democracy, all inspired by America. Then, the Arab-Israeli conflict would be easily dealt with in a way that would please America’s best friend, Israel, while the suspicious and insatiable Palestinians would have no choice but to submit.
The advance of American democracy and justice would not stop in the Middle East, but would spread to the rest of the Islamic world. Once all was said and done, the entire Islamic world would be allied with America, and soon the head and followers of al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and the rest of the terrorist organizations would be deposited into the fair hands of American justice. Thus, the world would regain peace and security as terrorism would become a phenomenon of the past no longer to be feared.
After all, the US policy would shine like a light in the darkness in a Middle East where life has been dismal for so long. President Bush would then be bestowed with a respected place in history for his action and wisdom; the legacy he hopes for as the “Freedom President” deservedly secured.
That was President Bush’s misguided hope and misplaced dream before the invasion, but as one can see as the headlines detail what has been happening, it hasn’t turned out as he hoped. The Iraqi invasion and the ousting of Saddam’s regime were profoundly justified, but the intent was dubious, for the US invasion of Iraq was triggered by the tragic events of 9-11, aimed at terror organizations rather than the liberation of the Iraqi people. The expectations and hopes surrounding the Iraqi invasion were much too high, and so far the Bush administration’s pre-invasion dream has turned into a nightmare. Iraq has now become the most dangerous country in the world, its people embroiled in a bloody civil war, the worst of which is yet to be seen. The Iraqi people who placed great hope in President Bush’s promises and visions have been disappointed, their hopes for peace and justice in the face of chaos dashed, and their suffering deepened.
In many respects, it appeared to be an easy victory. In a military sense, Iraq’s demoralized military force and antiquated war machinery warranted a swift victory for the United States. Politically, Iraq was isolated; its regime was unsupported, resented, and despised, and that allowed America to act without much fear of punishment or loss. The Bush administration’s most conspicuous rationale that this would be an easy feat was that the Iraqi people had been suffering tragically under Saddam and his tyrannical rule, and therefore they would be ready to wholeheartedly cooperate with America, fueled by President Bush’s promise that the US would bring the Iraqi people freedom, food and medicine. The White House counted on the Iraqi people’s support for such an undertaking to the point that they envisioned the Iraqis welcoming the American troops, waving American flags and offering roses and flowers and subsequently glorifying the US’s invasion, extending their deference and gratitude to America. In this envisioned birth of a nation, Iraq would be a free country for the first time since its inception. The Iraqi people would hold their freedom close to their hearts; they would be electing members of their governing body, drafting and ratifying their constitution, and in the end, forming their political and economic system in a secular manner highly inspired by America’s political and economic system. The Bush administration envisioned a free Iraq, treading in the path of economic prosperity, engaging in the rebuilding and reconstruction of their country as well as a social reformation proclaiming social justice. It would be a model of American justice abroad to well justify American superiority and the American way.
But the vision did not stop there, but quickly grew to greater proportions. Following this line of reasoning, Iraq would then be free and this freedom observed by its neighbors, Syria and Iran, the two enemies of the United States. The Iranians and Syrians would observe Iraq’s thriving economy and the blossoming liberty with which the Iraqi people would be blessed under US occupation, and they too would then demand the same. They would revolt against the dictatorial breed, at last shake off the yoke of repression, and become free. Now Iran and Syria would jump onto the American bandwagon, and do what the Iraqi people had done: embrace American democracy. This win-win situation would manifest itself in the gaining of two friends while eliminating two enemies.
Accordingly, Iraq, Iran and Syria all would adopt a democratic system without compromising their national pride or their abiding Islamic faith, and America would get the credit. Soon after, the three countries would advance democracy not by mantra or slogan, but by true deed and practice; the other monarchs and shaky democracies in the Middle East would then collapse, and be replaced by democratic systems. The Middle East, which has never been democratic, would turn entirely to democracy, all inspired by America. Then, the Arab-Israeli conflict would be easily dealt with in a way that would please America’s best friend, Israel, while the suspicious and insatiable Palestinians would have no choice but to submit.
The advance of American democracy and justice would not stop in the Middle East, but would spread to the rest of the Islamic world. Once all was said and done, the entire Islamic world would be allied with America, and soon the head and followers of al-Qaeda, the Taliban, and the rest of the terrorist organizations would be deposited into the fair hands of American justice. Thus, the world would regain peace and security as terrorism would become a phenomenon of the past no longer to be feared.
After all, the US policy would shine like a light in the darkness in a Middle East where life has been dismal for so long. President Bush would then be bestowed with a respected place in history for his action and wisdom; the legacy he hopes for as the “Freedom President” deservedly secured.
That was President Bush’s misguided hope and misplaced dream before the invasion, but as one can see as the headlines detail what has been happening, it hasn’t turned out as he hoped. The Iraqi invasion and the ousting of Saddam’s regime were profoundly justified, but the intent was dubious, for the US invasion of Iraq was triggered by the tragic events of 9-11, aimed at terror organizations rather than the liberation of the Iraqi people. The expectations and hopes surrounding the Iraqi invasion were much too high, and so far the Bush administration’s pre-invasion dream has turned into a nightmare. Iraq has now become the most dangerous country in the world, its people embroiled in a bloody civil war, the worst of which is yet to be seen. The Iraqi people who placed great hope in President Bush’s promises and visions have been disappointed, their hopes for peace and justice in the face of chaos dashed, and their suffering deepened.