Transition to Prime Minister Al-Maliki signified Iraqi security shift.
Saddam Hussein's trial revealed detached governance focus on atrocities.
Iraq surge success marred by contractor misconduct, tribal empowerment, and long-term consequences.
Deep dives
The Evolution of Iraqi Leadership
In December 2005, the Iraqi parliamentary elections resulted in Nouri Al-Maliki becoming the Prime Minister, leading to discussions on security issues. The Bush administration aimed to convey readiness for Iraqi security control symbolized by the elections, despite internal and civil unrest. This period marked a decline in approval ratings for President Bush and led to escalating violence, prompting the consideration of a surge strategy.
Capture and Trial of Saddam Hussein
Saddam Hussein's capture in December 2003 and subsequent trial revealed a different persona from the media portrayal pre-invasion. Debriefings with a CIA analyst unveiled Saddam as disengaged from day-to-day governance, focused on personal matters like finances and writing. The trial mainly focused on his regime's atrocities, culminating in his conviction and execution, which stirred controversy and further fueled unrest.
The Surge Strategy and Shift in Leadership
The surge strategy in Iraq involved deploying additional American troops, notably employing a more aggressive counterinsurgency approach led by General David Petraeus. The surge was heralded as reducing violence, attributed to various factors like political stasis, tribal engagement, and a concentrated effort to address key militant groups. The surge's supposed success overshadowed atrocities by private military contractors like Blackwater, highlighting the blurred lines between military and private operations.
Private Military Contractors and Accountability
The reliance on private military contractors, exemplified by Blackwater, underscored a shift in military operations towards privatization and efficiency. The lack of accountability in contractor misconduct, such as the Nisour Square massacre, revealed systemic issues in oversight and regulation. The surge's reliance on outsourced military functions reflected broader neoliberal trends in government service contracting and military strategy.
Legacy and Unintended Consequences of the Surge
The surge's short-term success in reducing violence masks long-term consequences, including empowering local warlords and tribal factions through bribery and concessions. Despite Petraeus' role as the public face of strategic success, underlying issues including contractor abuse and lack of systematic reform persisted. The surge's ambiguous legacy foreshadowed the rise of ISIS and highlighted the complexities and ethical dilemmas of modern military operations.
The empire strikes back. As Iraq deteriorates into civil war, the Bush administration taps a new man to lead a new American strategy. Which means saying goodbye to an old friend.
