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.
Here are a number of resources for better understanding the Iraq War and all its implications.
Profile: The Iraq War
Photo: Getty/Mark Wilson
This overview of the war covers the war's prelude and efforts to build a coalition. It also examines the post-invasion troubles, divisions within Iraq, and the growing cost of the war. Finally, the profile summarizes the "political casualties" of the war, the growing foreign policy implications, and the various exit plans for American involvement in Iraq.
Timeline of the Iraq War
Photo: Getty/Khuzaie
John McCain and Barack Obama on the Iraq War
U.S. Senate photos
Since before the 2008 presidential election was a glimmer in the eye of the blogosphere, the Iraq War was set to be the defining issue of all campaigns. And here we are at the end of the nomination process with the two perfect candidates for that debate.
Foreign Policy Political Casualties from the Iraq War
Photo: U.S. State Department
In the United States (and among leading allies) the steep cost and on-going nature of the Iraq War have caused considerable damage to top political leaders and political movements. Some have seen their professional reputations sullied, others have paid a price for tying their credibility to the Bush Administration's actions. Here is a partial list of the foreign policy "political casualties" from the Iraq War.
Foreign Policy Implications of the Iraq War
Photo: Getty/Boyle
American relations with a number of countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and Spain, have been deeply affected by events surrounding the Iraq War. And America's reputation on a number of fronts has taken a hit. Here is a summary of the foreign policy implications.
Iraq War: Paths Forward
President Bush and his team seem determined to continue the occupation of Iraq. They hope to bring enough stability to the nation that Iraqi security forces can maintain control and allow the new government to gain strength and legitimacy. Others believe this is a nearly impossible task. And still others believe this future is plausible but cannot unfold until after American forces leave. Managing the end of American involvement in Iraq is addressed in these resources.
