Twenty years ago this month, the U.S. launched a major invasion of Iraq. President George W. Bush and his administration at first drew broad international support for their efforts to combat terrorism in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. However, as the war dragged on and evidence of weapons of mass destruction proved to be unfounded, the justification for the invasion came into question.
The recent events in Israel have caused a reexamination of the United States' relationship with Iran. Eyes of the world are on the Middle East once again, as tensions rise and diplomatic efforts are put to the test. The concept of the "axis of evil" coined by Bush is being revisited in the context of modern geopolitics.
Just over 20 years ago former US president George W. Bush coined the term 'axis of evil' to refer to a trio of countries the United States viewed as threats to global security: Iran, Iraq, and North Korea. This rhetoric set the stage for the Iraq War and shaped U.S. foreign policy in the early 2000s.
Pres. GEORGE W. BUSH: [January 28, 2003] Trusting in the sanity and restraint of Saddam Hussein is not a strategy, and it is not an option! These words echoed the sentiment of the Bush administration at the time, who believed that preemptive action was necessary to prevent perceived threats from materializing.
The Bush Doctrine affirms the legitimacy of a preventive strike and emphasizes the notion that 'if you are not with us, you are against us.' This black-and-white approach to foreign policy alienated many allies and strained diplomatic relations around the world.
When terrorist hijackers caused unspeakable tragedy on Sept. 11, 2001, killing 2,977 people, destroying the twin towers and striking the Pentagon, the U.S. was thrust into a state of fear and uncertainty. This event served as the catalyst for the Bush administration's aggressive stance on national security and counterterrorism.
How did a man who took office espousing a new era of engagement with the world end up a spectator to this century's greatest humanitarian crises? The legacy of President Bush's foreign policy decisions continues to be felt today, with ongoing conflicts and instability in the Middle East and beyond.
Twenty years on, we are still failing to learn the lessons of this disastrous 'humanitarian' war. The consequences of the Iraq War are far-reaching and have had a lasting impact on the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
Maz Jobrani is the rare comedian and actor who has managed to successfully straddle audiences in the Middle East and North America. His ability to bridge cultural divides through humor highlights the importance of dialogue and understanding in a complex and interconnected world.
