Intelligence Squared Iraq: 20 Years On | Is American Power in Decline? with General Petraeus
Apr 8, 2023
General David Petraeus, a renowned four-star General and former CIA director, shares insights into the legacy of the Iraq War two decades later. He reflects on key miscalculations during the war, including the disbandment of the Iraqi military that fueled chaos. Petraeus discusses how these past decisions influence current U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding the rise of extremism and Russian aggression in Ukraine. He also examines the complexities of U.S.-China relations and the modern geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the importance of effective communication.
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Early Iraq Experience
- Gen. Petraeus was deployed in Bosnia during 9/11 and later commanded the 101st Airborne.
- Initial assumptions about Iraq's collapse proved wrong as local governance vanished after Najaf's capture.
Post-Invasion Chaos
- Insufficient troop numbers hindered post-invasion order and control in Iraq.
- The swift collapse of governance left Baghdad chaotic, requiring a shift from combat to imposing order.
Policy Missteps
- The flawed assumption that local officials would remain led to instability in Iraq.
- Disbanding the Iraqi military and de-Ba'athification without reconciliation created more opposition.