The Heat looks back on the US-led invasion of Iraq

The Heat

In this April 3, 2007 file photo, President Bush speaks about the congressional debate on Iraq war spending, in Rose Garden of the White House in Washington. A dozen years later, American politics has finally reached a rough consensus about the Iraq War: It was a mistake. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak. File)

The U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 was intended to destroy weapons of mass destruction, overthrow the leader Saddam Hussein and instill a peaceful and democratic country. Today, Iraq is plagued not just by ISIL extremists terrorizing the nation but also by sectarian divisions and a relatively new government troubled with various problems.

Islamic State fighters took control of the key Iraqi city of Ramadi over the weekend. Some say the loss is a significant blow to the U.S.-backed military campaign in Iraq. The Iraqi government has issued a fresh plea to the international community to help Iraq with what it calls “war against terrorism”.

The Heat interviewed a panel of experts to discuss the lessons learned from the U.S.-led war in Iraq and how the current situation can improve:

  • Stephen Miles is the advocacy director for Win Without War, a coalition of organizations formed in opposition to the war in Iraq.
  • Nussaibah Younis is a senior research associate at the non-profit group ‘Project on Middle East Democracy’ based in Washington.

The Heat also interviewed Iraqi former ambassador to the U.S., Samir Sumaidaie, for more insight into the past, present and future of Iraq.