The Inside Story Of The Struggle For Iraq From George Bush To Barack Obama

The Road to Iraq

The invasion of Iraq in 2003 marked a significant turning point in modern history. It was a decision that would shape the future of not just Iraq but also the United States and the wider Middle East. The story of this struggle for Iraq goes beyond the presidency of George W. Bush and extends into Barack Obama's administration, providing a complex and intertwined tapestry of politics, warfare, and nation-building.

The Bush Administration's Justification

As George W. Bush assumed office in 2001, the tragic events of 9/11 changed the geopolitical landscape, bringing security concerns and a renewed focus on national defense. Claiming that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and had ties to terrorist organizations, Bush made a case for the necessity of intervention in Iraq.

The invasion was met with both domestic and international controversy. Proponents argued that removing Saddam Hussein from power would bring stability to the region and prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction. Detractors, on the other hand, raised concerns about the absence of concrete evidence regarding WMDs and the potential for creating a power vacuum.

The Endgame: The Inside Story of the Struggle for Iraq, from George W. Bush to Barack Obama

by Michael R. Gordon(Kindle Edition)

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The Invasion and Aftermath

In March 2003, the United States, along with its coalition partners, launched Operation Iraqi Freedom and swiftly toppled Saddam Hussein's regime. However, the ensuing years saw an increase in violence and sectarian tensions, as well as the rise of insurgent groups such as Al-Qaeda in Iraq. The U.S. military found itself embroiled in an asymmetrical war, facing a determined enemy that exploited sectarian divisions.

The cost, both in terms of lives lost and financial resources expended, was significant. The war became highly unpopular within the United States, leading to widespread protests and calls for an exit strategy.

Transition to Obama

In 2008, Barack Obama won the presidential election with a promise to end the war in Iraq responsibly. As he took office in 2009, he faced the challenge of managing the U.S. withdrawal while ensuring the stability of Iraq.

Obama implemented a plan to gradually withdraw troops, returning control of Iraqi cities and provinces to the newly trained Iraqi security forces. However, the withdrawal was not without its challenges. Sectarian violence persisted, and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) emerged as a potent threat.

The Rise of ISIS

ISIS capitalized on the power vacuum created by the U.S. withdrawal, exploiting sectarian tensions and gaining control over vast territories in Iraq. Their brutal tactics and strategic use of social media further fueled their rise, drawing recruits and support from various regions.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Obama authorized military airstrikes and increased support to the Iraqi security forces in their fight against ISIS. The battle against ISIS would become one of the defining struggles of his presidency.

The Aftermath and Lessons Learned

As the war in Iraq finally reached its , the struggle for stability and security continued. The Iraq war had a lasting impact on the United States, with debates about its justifications, execution, and consequences continuing to linger.

The rise of ISIS and the challenges faced by both the Bush and Obama administrations underscored the complex nature of nation-building and the difficulties of managing conflicts in the Middle East.

The inside story of the struggle for Iraq from George Bush to Barack Obama is a tale of political decisions, military engagements, and the intricacies of post-conflict management. It is a story of hopes, disappointments, and lessons learned. Understanding this historical narrative is crucial in comprehending the present-day challenges faced by both Iraq and the United States.

The Endgame: The Inside Story of the Struggle for Iraq, from George W. Bush to Barack Obama

by Michael R. Gordon(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	104534 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	827 pages

FREE

A Wall Street Journal Best Nonfiction Book of 2012

In this follow-up to their national bestseller Cobra II, Michael Gordon and General Bernard E. Trainor deftly piece together the story of the most widely reported but least understood war in American history. This stunning account of the political and military struggle between American, Iraqi, and Iranian forces brings together vivid reporting of diplomatic intrigue and gripping accounts of the blow-by-blow fighting that lasted nearly a decade. Informed by brilliant research and extensive interviews with key figures—including everyone from the intelligence community to Sunni and Shi’ite leaders and former insurgents to senior Iraqi military officers—The Endgame presents a riveting chronicle of the occupation of Iraq to the withdrawal of American troops that is sure to remain the essential account of the war for years to come.
 
This E-book edition also contains a new Appendix collecting twenty-three classified documents, with commentary, that shed new light on some of the military’s crucial mistakes and missed opportunities.