The Endgame The Inside Story Of The Struggle For Iraq
The Iraq War has been one of the most controversial conflicts in modern history. It was a war that divided opinion, not only in the United States but also around the world. The Endgame: The Inside Story of the Struggle for Iraq is a book that provides a comprehensive account of the war, from its origins to its conclusion.
The Origins of the War
The origins of the war can be traced back to the events of September 11, 2001. The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon changed the world forever. The United States, under President George W. Bush, launched a global war on terror, with the aim of rooting out terrorism wherever it existed. Iraq, under the rule of Saddam Hussein, was identified as a country that posed a threat to international security, due to its alleged possession of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).
The Invasion of Iraq
In March 2003, the United States, with the support of its allies, invaded Iraq. The initial invasion was successful, but the war soon turned into a long and bloody conflict. The United States and its allies faced fierce resistance from Iraqi insurgents, who were determined to drive them out of the country. The war resulted in the deaths of thousands of Iraqis and hundreds of coalition soldiers.
The Surge
In 2007, President Bush announced a change in strategy, known as the surge. The surge involved an increase in the number of U.S. troops in Iraq, with the aim of providing better security for the Iraqi people and creating conditions for political reconciliation. The surge was successful in reducing the level of violence in Iraq, but it did not lead to a lasting peace.
The End of the War
In 2011, President Barack Obama announced that all U.S. troops would be withdrawn from Iraq by the end of the year. The withdrawal was completed in December 2011, marking the end of the war. However, the legacy of the war continued to be felt in Iraq and the wider region, with the rise of ISIS and the ongoing conflict in Syria.
The Legacy of the War
The legacy of the war is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, the war led to the overthrow of Saddam Hussein, a brutal dictator who had committed numerous human rights abuses. On the other hand, it also led to the deaths of thousands of Iraqis and hundreds of coalition soldiers. It also destabilized the region, leading to the rise of extremist groups like ISIS. The aftermath of the war continues to shape the politics of the Middle East and the wider world.
Conclusion
The Endgame: The Inside Story of the Struggle for Iraq provides a detailed and comprehensive account of one of the most controversial conflicts in modern history. It traces the origins of the war, the course of the conflict, and its aftermath. The legacy of the war continues to be felt in Iraq and the wider region, and its impact on global politics is likely to be felt for years to come.