In the following paper the situation in Iraq with regard to the U.S. drawback, which had begun in the first weeks of March 2009, will be investigated. Fundamental for this is President Barack Obama’s strategy he presented shortly after he became president in 2009. Until today there are several theories why the U.S. invaded Iraq on March 22, 2003 under President George W. Bush, although there is an official statement by him. The rationale for it was to abolish “a regime that developed and used weapons of mass de- struction that harbored and supported terrorists, committed outrageous human rights abuses, and defied the just demands of the United Nations and the world.” Barack Obama inherited the occupation in a way and was also responsible for the drawback, since Mr. Bush said “setting a deadline for withdrawal is setting a date for failure, and that would be irresponsible.” Was George W. Bush right or did Barack Obama fail in order to keep his promise?
Table of Contents
1. Preface
2. What did Obama promise in 2009?
3. How did President Obama proceed in order to keep his promises?
3.1 Promise No.1: The withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Iraq until the end of 2011
3.2. Promise No.2: Diplomacy and a peaceful, prosperous Iraq
3.3. Promise No.3: US Engagement across the Middle East in order to strengthen relations between Iraq and neighbouring states.
3.4. Promise No.4: Better veterans’ health care and counselling for their families.
4. Conclusion and personal statement
5. Material
6. References
Objectives & Research Focus
This paper investigates the execution and success of President Barack Obama’s strategic policy toward Iraq, specifically focusing on the U.S. troop withdrawal, diplomatic efforts, and the expansion of social and healthcare services for military veterans.
- Analysis of the strategic timeline for U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq.
- Evaluation of diplomatic efforts aimed at establishing a peaceful, autonomous Iraqi state.
- Investigation into the support systems provided for U.S. military veterans and their families.
- Assessment of the effectiveness of anti-corruption and reconstruction programs in Iraq.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Promise No.1: The withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Iraq until the end of 2011
Barack Obama’s highest priority was the arrangement of a very secure and well-ordered drawback of troops, so that neither Iraqi civilians nor U.S. - or Iraqi forces would run into trouble.
President Obama and the Department of Defence did not start the drawback with a proper removal of U.S. troops from Iraq. In the first week of March 2009 U.S. military commanders decided against sending roughly 12 000 troops to Iraq. They remained in the U.S., which meant that instead of fourteen brigades stationed in Iraq there were only twelve. At this moment in time, there were over 142 000 U.S. troops stationed in Iraq. In addition to the 12 000 troops remaining in the U.S., Britain was about to pull back their last 4 000 troops. There would soon be less support from other nations for the U.S. as well as for Iraq.
Summary of Chapters
1. Preface: Introduces the research objective regarding the U.S. troop withdrawal from Iraq under the Obama administration, contrasting it with the preceding Bush administration.
2. What did Obama promise in 2009?: Outlines the three-step strategic plan announced by Obama, covering combat troop retreat, diplomatic engagement, and regional security cooperation.
3. How did President Obama proceed in order to keep his promises?: Investigates the practical implementation of the withdrawal and support strategies, evaluating their success against the reality of ongoing regional violence.
3.1 Promise No.1: The withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Iraq until the end of 2011: Details the timeline of troop reductions and the transition of remaining forces into training and advisory roles.
3.2. Promise No.2: Diplomacy and a peaceful, prosperous Iraq: Examines programs aimed at fostering local governance and anti-corruption efforts, noting the challenges posed by insurgent activity.
3.3. Promise No.3: US Engagement across the Middle East in order to strengthen relations between Iraq and neighbouring states.: Analyzes the broader regional approach, including efforts to stabilize Iraq's relationships with neighboring nations through organizations like the OIC.
3.4. Promise No.4: Better veterans’ health care and counselling for their families.: Explores the expansion of VA services and healthcare support for veterans, highlighting both improvements and remaining challenges like suicide prevention and long processing times.
4. Conclusion and personal statement: Summarizes the overall effectiveness of Obama’s policies, concluding that while withdrawal was achieved, regional stability remained elusive.
5. Material: Provides statistical data, maps, and infographics supporting the analysis of troop levels, veteran suicide rates, and educational performance.
6. References: Lists the sources and official documents utilized for the investigation.
Keywords
Barack Obama, Iraq, U.S. troop withdrawal, military veterans, healthcare, PTSD, diplomacy, Middle East, insurgency, government, corruption, education, GI Bill, national security, terrorism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this academic work?
The work examines President Barack Obama’s strategic promises regarding Iraq and the extent to which his administration succeeded in fulfilling them through troop withdrawal, diplomacy, and veteran support programs.
Which thematic fields are central to the study?
The study centers on military strategy, international relations in the Middle East, governmental reconstruction programs, and social policy concerning the welfare of military families and veterans.
What is the main research question of the paper?
The paper explores whether George W. Bush’s warning regarding the dangers of withdrawal was justified, or if Barack Obama successfully managed to exit Iraq while fulfilling his promises to the American and Iraqi people.
What research methods are employed?
The author conducts a qualitative investigation using official government statements, international news reports, and statistical materials to rate the success or failure of specific policy aspects.
What does the main body of the text cover?
It provides a detailed breakdown of four core promises: troop withdrawal, diplomatic engagement in Iraq, regional relations in the Middle East, and the expansion of health and social services for veterans.
Which keywords best describe the paper?
Key terms include Obama's Iraq policy, military withdrawal, veteran health care, VA, Middle East stability, and insurgent conflict.
How does the author evaluate the VA's effectiveness?
The author praises the diversity of treatment options but highlights critical issues such as long processing times for disability claims, high suicide rates, and a shortage of mental health staff.
How is the situation in Iraq characterized in the conclusion?
The author describes the situation as a displacement of war rather than a complete resolution, noting that significant challenges remain regarding local security and corruption.
- Citar trabajo
- Fabian Bub (Autor), 2014, The Situation in Iraq regarding President Barack Obama's foregone Promises, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/295335
