How The US Stole Iraq

Summary

This video explores the complex reasons behind the US invasion of Iraq, challenging the simplistic narrative of securing oil resources. It delves into the influence of key decision-makers like Paul Wolfowitz and Donald Rumsfeld, who, in the aftermath of 9/11, saw an opportunity to project American power and topple Saddam Hussein, despite Iraq's lack of connection to al-Qaeda. The video outlines the strategic errors, such as dissolving the Iraqi military, which led to the rise of insurgent groups like ISIS. It critiques the decision-making process that was driven more by a desire for a decisive victory than by concrete intelligence, resulting in a costly and destabilizing war.

Takeaways

• 😣 The US went to war in Iraq not primarily for oil, but due to a complex mix of motivations including projecting American power and the desire to topple a dictator.
• 🔍 The initial narrative post-9/11 focused on al-Qaeda and Afghanistan, but certain US officials, including Paul Wolfowitz, redirected attention towards Iraq and Saddam Hussein.
• 🤔 The decision to invade Iraq was influenced by a small group of powerful men who saw an opportunity to assert US dominance and respond decisively to 9/11.
• 🚫 The US strategy in Iraq, including dissolving the Iraqi military, led to the empowerment of rebel groups and the rise of ISIS, which contributed to regional instability.
• 💸 The Iraq War resulted in significant financial costs, with over a trillion dollars spent, and a substantial loss of life, including nearly 10,000 American and over 200,000 Iraqi deaths.
• 🔑 The presence of US forces in the Middle East was justified by the claim of Saddam Hussein possessing weapons of mass destruction, a narrative that was later debunked.
• 🗣️ Key figures like Donald Rumsfeld and Paul Wolfowitz played pivotal roles in shaping the narrative for war, despite initial skepticism from intelligence experts.
• 🏆 The 'Mission Accomplished' speech by President George Bush signified a premature declaration of victory, overlooking the complexities and challenges that lay ahead.
• 🌐 The war in Iraq had far-reaching implications for international relations and the perception of US foreign policy, contributing to a less stable Middle East.
• 🔄 The narrative of the Iraq War evolved from a response to 9/11 to a broader geopolitical strategy, with the US attempting to reshape the Middle East in its image.

Q & A

What was the initial narrative for the US going to war in Iraq?

The initial narrative was that the US went to Iraq to secure oil resources, as suggested by the phrase 'We went to Iraq to get oil, like America always does.'

Why is the oil narrative considered a 'lazy explanation' for the Iraq war?

The oil narrative is considered a 'lazy explanation' because, while oil was a factor, it was not the main reason for the war. The war was more about powerful American men wanting to project American power and the belief that it was vital to do so.

What was the immediate US response to the 9/11 attacks?

The immediate US response to the 9/11 attacks was to focus on Afghanistan, as it was understood that al-Qaeda, based there, was responsible for the attacks.

Why did Paul Wolfowitz direct the Defense Intelligence Agency to look into Iraq's involvement in terrorism after 9/11?

Paul Wolfowitz directed the Defense Intelligence Agency to look into Iraq's involvement in terrorism to establish a connection between Iraq and the 9/11 attacks, despite the known involvement of al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.

What was the significance of the meeting at Camp David following 9/11?

The meeting at Camp David was significant because it was where key advisors, including Paul Wolfowitz, began to push the idea of invading Iraq, even though Iraq had no direct connection to the 9/11 attacks.

What was Paul Wolfowitz's plan regarding Iraq's population and oil fields?

Paul Wolfowitz's plan was to take control of the major oil fields in Iraq by targeting the northern and southern population centers, effectively cutting off Saddam Hussein from his main revenue source and reducing his power.

How did the US attempt to justify the invasion of Iraq to the American public?

The US attempted to justify the invasion of Iraq by claiming that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and might give them to terrorists, which was a narrative that was heavily pushed despite little to no concrete evidence.

What was the outcome of the US Congress vote on the use of force against Iraq?

The US Congress voted to authorize the use of force against Iraq, with a majority of both Republicans and a significant number of Democrats supporting the authorization.

What was the 'Mission Accomplished' speech, and why was it premature?

The 'Mission Accomplished' speech was given by President George Bush on an aircraft carrier and signified a premature declaration of victory in Iraq. It was premature because significant fighting and instability continued long after this event.

How did the dissolution of the Iraqi military contribute to the rise of insurgent groups like ISIS?

The dissolution of the Iraqi military left many experienced soldiers unemployed and angry, leading them to join insurgent groups such as al-Qaeda in Iraq, which later evolved into ISIS. This contributed to the rise of these groups and the ongoing conflict in the region.