The Iraq War 20 Years Later: Reflecting on Mistakes and Tony Blair’s Acceptance

Riffat Wani

On the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War, which was imposed by the United States of America and caused significant damage to Iraq. It has been 20 years since the United States of America, under the leadership of President George W. Bush, launched a war on Iraq on March 20, 2003. The war was primarily waged to eliminate Saddam Hussein, who was accused of possessing weapons of mass destruction, and to establish a democratic government in Iraq. However, it turned out to be one of the most controversial and catastrophic wars in recent history, causing immense damage to Iraq and its people. The Iraq War resulted in the loss of more than 4,000 American soldiers and over 100,000 Iraqi civilians, with some estimates suggesting that the death toll could be much higher. The war also displaced millions of people, created a humanitarian crisis, and left Iraq in ruins. Despite the presence of international inspectors, no evidence of weapons of mass destruction was found in Iraq, which was one of the primary justifications for the war. It is also no secret that the United States was interested in the vast natural resources of Iraq, particularly its oil reserves. The war enabled the U.S. to gain significant control over Iraq’s oil industry, which was estimated to be worth trillions of dollars. The U.S. also awarded contracts to American companies to rebuild Iraq’s infrastructure, which had been destroyed during the war. However, the rebuilding efforts were plagued with corruption and mismanagement, and the promised benefits to the Iraqi people never materialised. Moreover, the Iraq War had far-reaching consequences beyond Iraq’s borders.

It destabilised the region and led to the rise of extremist groups such as ISIS, who exploited the power vacuum left by the war to spread their ideology of violence and terror. The war also strained relations between the United States and Iran, which has been involved in regional power struggles with the U.S. for decades. Twenty years after the Iraq War, Iraq is still struggling to rebuild its shattered infrastructure and establish a functioning democracy. The war has left a deep scar on the country and its people, who continue to suffer from its consequences. The U.S. also bears responsibility for the damage caused by the war and the loss of life it caused. The words of Tony Blair on the Iraq War are haunting and deeply troubling. For him to acknowledge that the killing of Saddam Hussein was a mistake, and one that created a breeding ground for terrorism in the Middle East, speaks volumes about the misguided nature of this conflict. The Iraq War was a tragedy on so many levels. It was built on a foundation of lies and misinformation, driven by a desire for control over resources and geopolitical power. And the consequences of this war have been devastating for the people of Iraq and the wider region.

Blair’s admission that the killing of Saddam was a mistake is a rare moment of honesty in the aftermath of the war. It is a stark reminder that the actions of leaders have real-world consequences, and that the pursuit of power and control can have devastating effects. The Iraq War has left a lasting legacy of violence and instability in the Middle East. The rise of ISIS and other extremist groups can be traced back to the aftermath of the war, and the instability it created in the region. The loss of life, the destruction of infrastructure, and the ongoing suffering of the Iraqi people are a stark reminder of the true cost of war. As we reflect on the Iraq War and its aftermath, it is important to remember the lessons we have learned. We must strive for greater transparency and honesty from our leaders, and we must work to build a more peaceful and just world for all people. Only by acknowledging our mistakes and working towards a better future can we honour the lives that have been lost and the suffering that has been endured. As a human, I find it disheartening that there seems to be a discrepancy in the attention and support given to different countries in times of crisis.

While the conflict in Ukraine has garnered significant international attention and resources, the ongoing turmoil in Iraq often goes overlooked. Both countries are facing serious challenges and their citizens are suffering, yet it seems that Ukraine’s plight is deemed more worthy of global concern. It’s important to question why this is the case and to challenge any biases or political agendas that may be at play. Every human life is valuable and deserves attention and support, regardless of where they happen to live. The Iraq War was a devastating event that will always remain a tragic chapter in modern history. It was a war that was marked by a lot of political manipulation, flawed intelligence, and the exploitation of a sovereign nation. The damage it caused to Iraq and its people cannot be overstated, and the long-term consequences are still being felt today.