The purpose of invading Iraq

[Denithar]

Why did we invade Iraq? Or if you prefer, why did Congress pass H. J. RES. 114, in which the senate authorized the use of United States Armed Forces against Iraq.

To begin, anyone is allowed to join and list the reasons he or she thinks we went to Iraq. We will then debate the worthiness of those reasons.


*Saddam's willingness to act against national law, and the interests of free people, as evidenced in:
1. Invasion of Kuwait.
2. Inhumane treatment of his people, ever clearer proven as he stands trial.
3. Willingness and ability to use despicable weapons, as evidenced in the gassing of the Kurds, and the military use of chemical weapons against Iran.

I do wish to point out that just because a leader SHOULD be taken out of power doesn't mean it is WORTH the cost. I'm willing to admit that Iraq may become too costly and the gain too little. But that can be discussed later, firstly let us discover what legitimate reasons there are for using force against Iraq.

[Denithar]

Well, since this debate died, I'll just post my thoughts, in the form of a paper I turned in.


The Iraq Resolution, which authorized the use of United States Armed Forces against Iraq, passed the House on October 10, 2002 and the Senate the next day. It was signed into law by President Bush on October 16, 2002. Iraq would be invaded by a coalition army the next year. The bulk of the forces were United States troops, and according to GlobalSecurity the number of US troops in Iraq would fluctuate from 92,000 in the first invasion force, to the highest point of 160,000 troops at the end of 2005. The United Kingdom, Australia, and Republic of Korea would send significant men to Iraq, with many other countries sending token troops. On March 19, 2003 these soldiers began the invasion, cooperating with Kurdish forces within northern Iraq. The mission was known as Operation Iraqi Liberation. And now, four years from the resolution to use force, and three from the application of it, we need to understand why Congress authorized and the President applied military force in Iraq.

There are three main reasons for the invasion of Iraq. The most obvious and easiest was to remove Saddam from power, since he was believed to be a threat to American interests. Once the first goal was achieved the mission would change into bringing traditional American democracy to Iraq. By this process an example would be provided to the non free nations in the region. Finally, in the continuation of the war against terror, we hoped to eliminate terrorist support provided by Iraq to organizations like al Qaida.

As shown by the majority vote passing S. J. RES. 46, the government of the United States believed that Saddam Hussein was a threat to America and our allies, both directly and indirectly. Saddam had disregarded national law, and ordered inhumane atrocities against neighboring countries and against the Iraqi people. In 1990 President George H. Bush the first fought against Iraq when Saddam invaded Kuwait, a small country that could not have posed any threat to Iraq. The conclusion follows that this was a war of aggression by Saddam Hussein, in an attempt to gain access to the ports and oil of Kuwait. Even after the first Gulf War, Saddam’s defiant stance against the West continued. Iraq broke the 1991 cease fire agreements by its noncompliance with disarmament obligations as stated by the Security Council in the 4644th meeting. Gary Rosen claims that “Saddam was seeking both to pursue WMD programs and to conceal his efforts from the U.N. weapons inspectors” (The Right War? 22). Most blatant of all, US planes enforcing the no fly zones over Iraq were regularly fired upon from the ground. To the credit of US troops, Saddam Hussein was captured on December 13, 2003. America has accomplished the mission of removing the Baathist party from power.

The second goal is an American form of freedom and self government for Iraq. George W. Bush, in a message after the capture of Saddam Hussein, made it clear that he planned to stay for the long haul. “And this afternoon, I have a message for the Iraqi people: You will not have to fear the rule of Saddam Hussein ever again. All Iraqis who take the side of freedom have taken the winning side. The goals of our coalition are the same as your goals -- sovereignty for your country, dignity for your great culture, and for every Iraqi citizen, the opportunity for a better life” (Bush).

In the list of reasons for authorization for military force against Iraq in S. J. RES. 46 it states: “Whereas members of al Qaida, an organization bearing responsibility for attacks on the United States, its citizens, and interests, including the attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, are known to be in Iraq.” In a continuation of the war against terror, America hoped to eliminate a terrorist base by going into Iraq. It was especially feared that Saddam would develop a weapon of mass destruction and sell it to enemies of America or Israel. The CIA believed Saddam had a weapon of mass destruction program aimed at developing even more devastating weaponry, and with longer range (S. J. RES. 46).

Historians will write books on this war, and whether the reasons for America’s involvement proved worthy of the cost. But today the American people must make an educated decision on whether the cost of our soldiers and our dollars is worth the mission, and the chance of that mission succeeding.


Works Cited

Bush, George W. “Address: Remarks by the President on the Capture of Saddam Hussein.” The Cabinet Room. 14 Dec. 2003. 10 Oct. 2006 <http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/12/20031214-3.html>

Rosen Gary. Ed. The Right War? Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2005.

Security Council 4644th Meeting (AM) “Security Council Hold Iraq in ‘Material Breach’ of Disarmament Obligations” UN News 08/11/2002. 21 Oct 2006 <http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs/2002/SC7564.doc.htm>

“US Ground Forces End Strength” Comp. John Pike. GlobalSecurity.org 21 Oct. 2006 <http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/iraq_orbat_es.htm>

United States. 107th Congress. S. J. RES. 46 “Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002” Thomas 21 Oct. 2006 < thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/D?c107:5:./temp/~c107OG3Hrr>

[johnsapphire]

Excellent paper!

[Denithar]

Thanks, I rather thought so myself. Took me long enough to find all the information...

[Denithar]

After considerable consideration I have finally decided that Denithar won this debate. Well done, you crushed the opposition.