I know it’s easy to be cynical and that there will always be any number of reasons why it’s in the self interest of the US, but I do believe that the Bush doctrine of spreading freedom was something that many in the cabinet believed in their hearts.
One has to admit that it is probably one of the most difficult things to do, many have tried throughout history and failed.
Look at WW2 as a great example of the US’s inaction and disinterest in upholding its values causing huge amount of destruction and casualties.
In terms of net benefit in the long run from the Iraq war, it doesn’t look great right now. But there are many things that were done wrong that led to the insurgency.
I bought the line of it’s only for oil/power/stock-prices for a long time, but I don’t believe that is a great enough sole motivation for a bunch of men who were already rich and powerful. People care about legacy - and if you can say you ejected a life long dictator as president it’s a pretty great legacy - unless an unexpected insurgency cancelled that out.
One has to admit that it is probably one of the most difficult things to do, many have tried throughout history and failed.
Look at WW2 as a great example of the US’s inaction and disinterest in upholding its values causing huge amount of destruction and casualties.
In terms of net benefit in the long run from the Iraq war, it doesn’t look great right now. But there are many things that were done wrong that led to the insurgency.
I bought the line of it’s only for oil/power/stock-prices for a long time, but I don’t believe that is a great enough sole motivation for a bunch of men who were already rich and powerful. People care about legacy - and if you can say you ejected a life long dictator as president it’s a pretty great legacy - unless an unexpected insurgency cancelled that out.