The war in Iraq and its fallout have been at the center of U.S. foreign policy since the overt march to war began in 2002. The war and surrounding issues (like Iran) occupy the attention of nearly all those in leadership at the White House, State Department, and Pentagon. And the war has fueled anti-American sentiment around the world, making global diplomacy all the more difficult. Our relations with almost every country in the world are in some form colored by the war.
Here are some of the most significant implications.
Relations With The United Kingdom
The implication for the United States: The British people may be inclined to elect a less pro-American government.
Relations With France
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The implication for the United States: A rift with France could hinder American interests at the United Nations Security Council and sharpen the competition between the U.S. and the European Union. However, the relationship has already healed somewhat with France's election of a pro-American president, Nicholas Sarkozy, in 2007.
Relations With Spain
Despite strong opposition to the Iraq War in Spain, the government of Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar agreed to send non-combat peacekeeping forces to Iraq. On March 11, 2004, 191 people were killed in a terrorist attack on Madrid's railway system. Just days later, Aznar's government was voted out of office and the new Spanish leadership brought all Spanish troops out of Iraq.The implication for the United States: Spain is unlikely to support America in future, preemptive military endeavors.
Libyan Agreement
In late 2003, President Bush announced that Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi agreed to give up all efforts to create weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles. Supporters of the president say Gadhafi made the agreement because he feared a U.S. attack such as the one in Iraq. Critics disagreed.The implication for the United States: A major thorn in the side of U.S. foreign policy has been disarmed.
The Arab-Israeli Peace Process
The Iraq Study Group report drew a direct connection between Iraq and the prospects for Arab-Israeli peace. They wrote, "The United States will not be able to achieve its goals in the Middle East unless the United States deals directly with the Arab-Israeli conflict. There must be a renewed and sustained commitment by the United States to a comprehensive Arab-Israeli peace on all fronts: Lebanon, Syria, and President Bush's June 2002 commitment to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine." The report added, "The United States does its ally Israel no favors in avoiding direct involvement to solve the Arab-Israeli conflict."The implication for the United States: America must get serious about fostering Arab-Israeli peace.
Damage to America's Reputation
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The implication for the United States: International public opinion polls show deep declines in America's reputation around the world.
