The War in Iraq and US Policy

Paper Summary:

The war in Iraq is one of the most debated subjects on the international scene. The author of the paper examines the policy of the main actor involved, the United States and its place inside the wider framework of the policy towards the Middle East. The writer specifically looks at the reasons for the US presence in Iraq, both stated and unstated, the status today of objectives at the onset of US involvement, a discussion as to the relevance of US policy towards achieving its stated goals and finally, an examination of the costs and benefits involved in the intervention.

Outline:
Introduction
Stated Policy of the US in Iraq
Objectives in Iraq and the Middle East
The United States and its Stated Objectives
Assessment of the Policy Towards Iraq
Costs and Benefits

From the Paper:

"There are several aspects that must be taken into account in order to have a better image of the war in Iraq and the current situation on the ground. In this sense, it is important to consider the policy of the main actor involved, the United States; also, its place insider the wider framework of the policy towards the Middle East; in addition to these general aspects, an important issue is the precise reasons for the American presence on the ground, to the extent in which these reasons are made available to the public; the status of the objectives stated in the beginning of the operations must also be assessed, as well as the degree in which the direction of the policies is adequate for achieving these goals. Finally, an important segment for describing the wider situation of the war in Iraq and the US's attitude towards it is the assessment of the costs and benefits of the operations."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bennis, Phyllis et al. "U.S. Policy Toward Iraq: Policy Alternatives". Foreign Policy in Focus. N.d. 18 February 2008 http://www.fpif.org/pdf/iraqStmt.pdf
• Carothers, Thomas. "Is gradualism possible? Choosing a strategy for promoting democracy in the Middle East". Middle East Studies. Democracy and Rule of Law Project. Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. 2003
• Cortright, David et al.. "Contested Case: Do the Facts Justify the Case for War in Iraq?" Policy Brief F8. Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame. 2003.
• Fisher-Thompson, Jim. "Mechanics Training for Iraqi Army Fuels Engine for Change". America. Gov website. 2008. 18 February 2008 http://www.america.gov/st/washfile-english/2008/January/200801071712331EJrehsiF0.7347071.html
• Griffis, Margaret. "Casualties in Iraq. The Human Cost of Occupation". Anti War.com. 2008. http://www.antiwar.com/casualties/

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