Our Occupation of Iraq: What should the U.
Prior to the invasion of Iraq in March 2003, the U. promised a speedy transition to a democratic government for the country. The initial plan included the creation of an Iraqi constitution, and the active role of the Iraqi people in the process of establishing a new government and law enforcement. United States officials public announcements have emphasized that the U.S. invasion was not about occupation, but about liberation. Before the invasion and until May 2003, U.S. officials stressed that an Iraqi-led government would be established "as soon as possible". However, this commitment shrank in the following months. .
On May 1, 2003, President Bush anounced the end of combat in Iraq and now nearly 9 months later we still have over 100,000 americans fighting to stay alive on a daily basis. Despite the many critics of Bush, he says, "There was no doubt in my mind that Saddam Hussein was a grave and gathering threat to America and the world"(CNN). All said and done where do we go from here now that Saddam is gone? .
Opponents of the campaign think our job is finished there, and do not see any benefit in the occupation, only daily news of more Americans dead. Since the war and occupation began, America has lost over 530 soldiers with an additional 3000-wounded (CNN). The numbers grow day by day and with the rising amount of casualties are increasing numbers of American families experiencing the loss of a family member or friends. With each American soldier killed in Iraq, more Americans wonder if it is actually worth sacrificing our loved ones for a country that detests us and perceive us as infidels. They would like the troop's home now, safe with their families and friends, not fighting and dying for an empty cause.
In addition to the loss of human lives, there is the issue of financial impact on the United States. As of spring 2003, war related spending was already at $114 billion dollars and in the fall, the president submitted a request for an additional $87 billion dollars for war and occupation (National Priorities Project).
