The 2003 United States Incursion of Iraq - Essay Example

   US And World The 2003 United s incursion of Iraq has been one of the most significant episodes in the contemporary history. Gaining a greater understanding of the invasion from a number of points of views has tremendous significance for everyone who is interested in world history of and International Relations. This is apparent from the impacts of the war in the area. Nevertheless, when a person investigates the factors that led to Iraq invasion, there are notions which have been proved to be inefficient. A number of factors which have proved to be insignificant include Saddam’s sponsor for terrorism and Iraq’s ownership of weapons of mass destruction. The ineffectiveness of several views to go to war has generated questions among people, and the invasion has been severely condemned by individuals both from inside and outside America (Ricks 21). This paper will look at the Iraq’s invasion from a realist view, the long term consequence of the invasion, and effect on America’s foreign policy. The help of theories is the significance of theories is necessary to assess and investigate the invasion of Iraq which has impacted the lives of numerous individuals and also a number of state laws. The Realist theory is the best theory to evaluate the invasion of Iraq. This is because the realist theory addresses matters relating to national security. Risks to national security can originate from troubled countries, whose heads may defy rules to develop weapons of mass production, offer them to non-administration officials, and instigate an attack on unsuspecting people or countries (Ricks 23). A country may initiate preventive attack to protect itself if such acts are about to take place. A country’s national security is the utmost priority from a realist perspective. Nation security may entail getting an essential natural resource or preventing against attackers. For these options to be successful there is always conflict between rival countries over the balance of authority and power, power may be presumed as an ability to produce influence. From the realist view, in a competitive world, there is no trust between countries, and in the chaotic international system, a third-party arbitrator is not desired nor provided to tackle issues between disputing states. This is perceived as the unautocratic cause of conflict, giving additional rationale, inducements, and opportunities for the misuse of power or authority than for control. In addition, realism perceives actions implemented are because of business. There are no evil or upright countries. Countries act on the basis of what they perceive will give them the furthermost utility (Ricks 23). Countries always guarantee their existence is the core interest. It has been argued that the tussle for authority arises because people need things, not because people have negative issues in their needs. Moreover, exploitation of resources and control of the feeble satisfies a basic want for existence. America’s invasion of Iraq was a blameless idea. People are able to perceive the views of realist principles in the American resolution to invade Iraq. First, human beings have consistently been in search of power and authority all through history and the struggle for dominance is a component of human nature. From the early periods, in all societies, there has been competition for leadership in different societal positions. On the other hand, countries are made up of people, and it is through natural processes that they compete to be prominent players in the international community as this is an objective principle found in human beings. America has been and still is the most dominant state since the fall of the Soviet Union and wants to maintain her position. In 2003, the United States of America did not scruple to attack Iraq because she presumed that her continuing domination was being threatened due to the assaults on American soil (Ricks 71). Second, American policy makers presumed the interests of United States called for the attack. These policy makers were conscious of the view that it was practicable to invade Iraq instead of North Korea or Iran because of military power abilities and it would not be adequate to contemplate the moral issues, regardless of the presence of weapons of mass destruction or their absence, into consideration during the making of decisions. United States attack on North Korea or Iran may have far more detrimental consequences for America in terms of military expenses and casualties. This means America may have found it probable to invade Iraq when they considered power relations (Ricks 85). Consequently, from the realist perspective, it may be argued, the Americans did what the national interest required them to pursue. Third, also, American policy makers were conscious that power balance was not going to last forever, and if they did not act after the assaults on the Pentagon and twin towers, the impression of the United States of America may have been harmed. It has been proved that image precedes reality, and when the view of fragility is provided, it can have significant effects for a country to endure. For example, after the September eleven attacks, the view of a susceptible America not able to react to the attacks on her figurative structures may have led to efforts to contest the authority and power of America. In addition, these efforts may cause a creation of a new organization. It is clear that this new world order could not have been for the advantage of United States (Ricks 89). This was a chance which realist policy makers could not afford to take. The Iraq invasion also had long term consequences in a number of areas. First, the invasion may have probably destabilized Iraq and the surrounding region. This may have also caused an upsurge of outrageous feelings towards the United States and its citizens. This may also contribute to the weakening of Arab administrations. Second, The Iraq invasion may also increase the status of terrorists and also their activities. Third, America required time to establish institutions in Iraq after the invasion. These institutions are meant to provide security for those who loose after the war (Ricks 97). When America develops these institutions, it also establishes a situation that enhances a people’s feeling of justice and material wealth. Fourth, the war also led to the destruction of historic structures and losses to museums. Looters and thieves took advantage of the confusion and attacked museums. These thieves and looters stole approximately 15000 items of every kind, for example, cuneiform tablets, sculptures, architectural fragments, ceramics, metal work, jewelry, and pottery shades. In addition, museums lost a large number, if not all, of its computer files and card catalogues. These files contained numerous exclusive archeological records from way back. This means that Iraq cannot enjoy previous works of art due to the destruction and loss of significant art works (Ricks 103). Finally, the invasion also led to the destruction of Iraq archives. Approximately a quarter of the whole book collection was destroyed or looted during the war. This shows Iraq has lost physical evidence that relates to its history and developments. America’s foreign policy has also changed as a result of its invasion on Iraq. The destruction caused by the invasion and the successive pursuit has had a tremendous effect on America’s foreign policy. America will now be extra careful when it comes to interventions or radical actions. Also, the invasion has forced the next president of American to depict himself as a sharp opposite of the previous administration. The current administration will be forced to create policies that drift from unilateralism, anticipate and deter war. Finally, America will have to utilize international platforms to resolve issues. Work Cited Ricks, T. E. Fiasco: The American Military Adventure in Iraq. New Jersey: Penguin, 2006. Print. Read More