To this day people all over the world are still asking why America is in Iraq. There are several explanations being provided. Some of them come from the government, from other world leaders and the man on the street.
To Destroy the Weapons of Mass Destruction
The main reason cited by President Bush was that Saddam Hussein was in possession of these weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). According to the President, these weapons could be used to attack US interests in the Middle East. They could also be sold to terrorists who would use it to attack the USA.
Links with Bin Laden
In several interviews and speeches, President Bush also said that there were links between Saddam Hussein and Osama Bin Laden. Bush claimed that Al Quadea was using the country as a base of operations. So the reason why America is in Iraq is to eliminate these double threats.
Liberate Iraqis and Spread Democracy
The WMDs were never found and the links between Bin laden and Hussein haven’t been established. But some say that the war was still justified. Hussein was a dictator who oppressed his people. By overthrowing Hussein, people would get the chance to vote for the leaders they wanted. It is hoped that it would set an example in the Middle East and that other countries would become democratic too.
Seize Control of the Oil Reserves
Anti war advocates claim that the invasion had nothing to do with terrorism. It was merely pretext to secure oil. The government knew that any country that controlled the oil supply would have a major economic advantage over others. Thus the reason why America is in Iraq was mainly for economic reasons.
Extend American Dominance
Another theory is that the government wanted to extend US hegemony. China is becoming a major world player. European countries and Russia have also been voicing their objections to the US running world affairs.
The argument here is that the occupation of the country was to exert their military position. It also meant that they would be in position to assert control should anything happen in the Middle East that affected their interests.
To Make Money
There are people from various parts of the world (Americans included) who believe the reason why America is in Iraq is to make profits. Their argument is that the government played up the threat from Hussein. With tensions rising, they could sell weapons to other Middle East countries who would feel the need for them.
After the invasion, the rebuilding process would begin. According to anti war proponents, the contracts would go to businesses closely associated with key government personnel. What is being claimed here is that certain companies will make profit in war and the rebuilding phase too. These assertions of course, have been denied by those who feel the war was for democracy.
The arguments regarding why America is in Iraq continues to this day. The issues are still being debated fiercely. It’s still unclear as to how it will all play out in the end.
