The events following 9/11 were those of hurt, pride, and the need for decisive military action. The War in Afghanistan wasn’t really something thought about twice. Watching those events unfold too young to even really know the ramifications they would bring on, it didn’t matter, the impact was real. But a few years later, War in Iraq felt…different. Americans pondered the idea of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) being used by terrorists but also hated the idea of sending more Americans to die in the desert. Ultimately, the invasion would take place and the aftermath would only lead to more confusion and anger throughout the country. Revisiting the Iraq War 20 years later, there are still more questions than answers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ao_WHb1Fi1g Related: Repeal of the 2002 Iraq War Authorization Aims to Prevent Future Abuse

The 20th Anniversary of the Iraq War

Invading Iraq seemed like a good idea on paper. In and out, topple a bad government led by a bad man named Saddam Hussein, and find WMDs to help liberate tortured Iraqis and prevent future terrorism. A great idea that soon went sideways. There is no debate whether or not the people that served in the invasion did so with the best intentions. Overwhelmingly, this was the case. American fighters are fierce protectors and deserve respect for defending our country. But why were they sent in the first place? The CIA’s final report clearly shows that no WMDs were ever found. Meaning that thousands of American troops and troops from allied nations died without the main concern ever really being a concern at all. This is on top of the Iraqi civilians who have faced the harshest death tolls ranging from 120,000 to well over 300,000. Again, the majority of troops went over with great intentions, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t bad apples. We’ve now seen terrible things arise including the Abu Ghraib prison scandal, inhumane treatment found in the Torture Memos, and the general destructive nature of war to the innocent citizens stuck between a rock and a hard place. Overall, it’s easy to say that the Iraqi War will never be in the running for America’s brightest spot in history. But beyond the mixed opinions when viewing the multiple angles of an increasingly complex, seemingly “forever war,” it also set the stage for a power vacuum. This would lead to a problem that while continuously hunted and handled, persists to this day.

Withdrawal Leads to the Rise of ISIS

The creation of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, which goes by many other names including ISIS, ISIL, and Daesh, didn’t start in 2011 (it was actually founded way back in 1999), but its reemergence and power surge did. America was done and decided to leave Iraq, creating the exact power grab situation feared through all those years of the occupation. While it’s true that American troops remained and still remain in the country, the decrease in numbers provided ISIS with an opportunity. Sadly, this would mean bringing a warped form of Islam to commit horrific crimes on those within the region, terrorism through jihad, and a slew of human rights violations. Suggested Read: Weapons of Mass Destruction: More Than Just Nukes Over the years, many leaders and factions of ISIS have been killed by America and our allies. A major strike would land a powerful blow to the international terrorist organization when the group’s leader, Abu Bakr al Baghdadi, was killed during a raid in Syria led by Americans in October 2019. Less than four years later, the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War would arrive, yet due to threats like ISIS and similarly minded groups, some troops remain in the region. Worst of all, fighting in the region remains as other geopolitical hotbeds continue to warm up around the globe. This includes other direct ramifications of the Iraq War. For example, the necessity of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS Africa Focus Group to find and stifle the group’s presence throughout the continent. The war that was built upon finding and ending WMDs has sadly helped produce conditions to spread destruction far and wide.

20 Years After the Invasion of Iraq, the Impact is Striking

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxFwIC6eCZc It’s impossible to look back at the War in Iraq and say that everything went according to plan. Many continue to wonder if the entire thing was a ruse built on legacy and oil, while others point to the hypocrisy of invading a country for reasons that never came to fruition when our allies at the time also did heinous things. Nevertheless, the bravery exhibited by those that fought and served and are continuing to do so in whatever capacity cannot be forgotten. Because while opinions and political motives may sway and vary, at the end of the day, those serving in the American Armed Forces answered the call to help our nation. You’re never going to know what you’re fully getting yourself into on the battlefield until you’re in the thick of it. Additionally, it’s not fair to say that the people of Iraq lived perfect lives under Hussain’s strenuous rule. American military personnel helped deliver a better quality of life to many through rescue missions and humanitarian efforts as well. It’s important to remember on the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War all the good, the bad, and the ugly. Especially with so much talk of war these days in other regions around the globe. Although never good, there are times in which conflict is justified. Just be sure that the justification is there and that the ends justify the means in the process. Read Next: The Battle of Fallujah Is Actually More Than One Conflict