The Gray Area with Sean Illing Why the hell did America invade Iraq?
Aug 31, 2020
Journalist Robert Draper, author of "To Start a War," dives into the tumultuous decision-making behind America's 2003 invasion of Iraq. He shares insights from over 300 interviews, exposing how misjudged intelligence and the administration's fear-driven narratives fueled the war. Draper highlights the stark contrast between idealism and political realities within the Bush administration, revealing the tragic miscalculations and their lasting consequences on U.S. foreign policy today. His reflections serve as a crucial reminder of the dangers of conviction over expertise.
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Immediate Focus on Iraq
- On 9/11, Paul Wolfowitz tasked the DIA to report on Iraq's ties to terror groups.
- He prioritized this over investigating the hijackers, showing his focus on Iraq.
Pre-Existing Dislike of Saddam
- Pre-9/11, bipartisan contempt for Saddam Hussein existed.
- The Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 reflects this sentiment, though it lacked a concrete plan.
Idealism and the Iraq War
- The Iraq War was a tragedy driven by idealism, particularly for Paul Wolfowitz.
- He genuinely believed a democratic Iraq could be a model for the Middle East.
