What is the legacy of the US-led invasion in Iraq? | The Stream
2023
#iraq
#aljazeeraenglish
#ajstream
It’s been nearly 20 years since the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq ushered in an enduring period of chaos and devastation. As attention on the country wavers in and out of focus, the anniversary marks an opportunity to reflect on the significance of the invasion and its ongoing effects. While the initial claims to support the invasion have long been discredited, Iraqis continue to live with the enduring legacy of invasion, occupation and conflict.
Conceived partially under the guise of democracy-building, the invasion was launched on the heels of an era of crippling sanctions following two wars that were not long in the nation’s rear-view mirror. At the time, citizens had been living under the brutal and authoritarian rule of then President Saddam Hussein for over two decades.
While many Iraqis celebrated the ousting of the former President, his removal was followed by a power vacuum that resulted in civil war, sectarian division, the rise of ISIL and the increased influence of Iran.
The Costs of War initiative at Brown University reports that more than 300,000 Iraqi civilians have likely died “from direct war related violence”. The US officially withdrew its forces in 2011, but an estimated 2,500 soldiers remain in the country to assist with ongoing efforts to combat ISIL.
While conflict, loss and instability have characterized the last two decades, in recent years Iraq has seen a rise in civic mobilization with the emergence of mass protests, environmental advocacy and a movement for women’s rights.
In this episode of The Stream, we’ll discuss the legacy of the 2003 U.S.-led invasion on life in Iraq.
-
LIVE
Freakin' Reviews
22 hours agoTesting and Ranking 5 Gadgets Under $20!
72 watching -
7:48
Fore Play Golf
1 day agoWill the PGA Tour-PIF Deal EVER Happen?
2.45K2 -
28:04
The Black and Jewish Podcast with Ashira Solomon
1 month agoEp. 1: Black People and Jewish People
2.93K22 -
LIVE
Revenge of the Cis
2 hours agoEpisode 1379: Danger
1,987 watching -
DVR
In The Litter Box w/ Jewels & Catturd
19 hours agoRINO Republicans Lack Resolve | In the Litter Box w/ Jewels & Catturd – Ep. 652 – 9/23/2024
14K10 -
2:10:11
Barstool Yak
5 hours agoThe Yak with Big Cat & Co. Presented by Rhoback | The Yak 9-23-24
5.41K2 -
1:33:59
The Quartering
3 hours agoKamala Harris Panics As Old Clip Resurfaces, DOJ Places Public Bounty On Donald Trump & More
43.9K40 -
23:47
Stephen Gardner
2 hours ago🔴IT'S OVER! CONGRESS CAN'T HIDE THIS NOW | TRUMP'S LIFE IN DANGER!
15.4K30 -
LIVE
Senator Ron Johnson
1 day agoAmerican Health & Nutrition: A Second Opinion
4,044 watching -
2:02:13
Nerdrotic
5 hours agoDisney Star Wars Rey DELAYED | Thunderbolts Trailer RELEASED - Nerdrotic Nooner 430
44.6K15