Consider This from NPR Lessons from Iraq, as Trump teases attacks on Iran
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Jun 18, 2025 Journalist Steve Coll, a Pulitzer Prize winner and author of The Achilles Trap, dives into the haunting parallels between the Iraq War and the current tensions with Iran. He discusses the flawed intelligence behind the Iraq invasion and warns of repeating history. Coll emphasizes the risks of military action without a strong strategy and examines conflicting narratives about Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The conversation highlights the complex landscape of Middle Eastern politics and the urgent need for the U.S. to learn from its past mistakes.
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Differences in Nuclear Evidence
- The key difference between Iraq and Iran's nuclear situations is a clearer public evidence of Iran's uranium enrichment capability.
- Iraq had no active nuclear bomb work despite intelligence claims, unlike Iran's known program.
Political Use of Intelligence
- Intelligence is used politically to justify war by convincing publics they can trust the evidence.
- This tactic echoes in both Iraq's invasion and potential Iran conflict despite different nuclear evidence.
Mismatch in War Aims and Means
- There is a disconnect between unclear war aims and lacking credible means to achieve them.
- Talks of regime change in Iran resemble failed calls for Iraqi uprisings without support.