There is no way to exaggerate how profoundly the U.S. destroyed Iraqi society, killed its people and drove them to flee; fired up sectarian violence, grew the outmoded Islamic fundamentalists and ISIS; flooded the land with toxic chemicals and weapons while taking oil; and left a poverty rate in Iraq of over 30%.
The U.S. presence in the region was the central cause of 20 years of violence, based on lies. Did anyone know in 2002-2003 that Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction? As a new anti-war activist said then, "I was sitting on my couch eating Cheetos and even I knew Bush and Powell were lying." Massive lies - regime change would bring "democracy" - and outright deceit fueled this crime against humanity.
There was also self-deception in the service of U.S. imperialist aims. But was, as is repeated ad nauseam, the war on Iraq a "mistake"? No, it fit a pattern. Which brings us to now. It's not a war of occupation by the U.S., but the proxy war being fought over Ukraine and the threats to China are even more dangerous as the world moves into a period of direct inter-imperialist rivalry going kinetic.
The World Can't Wait invites you to a Zoom discussion to talk about 20 years ago, and now. We'll have some well-informed activists participating, but this is not a webinar where most of us just listen. Bring your thoughts and questions.
Monday March 20 8:00 pm Eastern | 7:00 Central | 5:00 Pacific
Register in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing a link to join the Zoom.
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