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A REVIEW ON LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE US CURRENT DIPLOMATIC RELATIONSHIP WITH IRAQ FROM 2003
A REVIEW ON LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE US’S CURRENT DIPLOMATIC RELATIONSHIP WITH IRAQ FROM 2003
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Table of Content
Abstract……………………………………………………………………..3
Chapter I: introduction………………………………………………………4
Background…………………………………………………………………4
Statement of the Problem……………………………………………………5
Chapter II: Literature Review………………………………………………7
Chapter III: Research Methodology………………………………………..15
Research Design……………………………………………………………15
Data Collection……………………………………………………………..17
Reporting……………………………………………………………………18
Data Management and Ethical Consideration……………………..………18
Reliability and Validity of the data analysis Instruments………….…….….18
Chapter Summary…………………………………………………………..19
Chapter IV: Research Findings and Analysis………………………………20
Conclusion………………………………………………………………….27
References………………………………………………………………….28
Abstract
The relationship between Iraq and the United States serves as a lesson on different diplomatic ideas and the underlying socio-economic and political ideologies. Various scholars have in the past shed light on the sociological aspects of the existing relationship after the decade long invasion and occupancy of Iraq by United States. Theoretical concepts of international relations will be explored to unveil the true picture of U.S – Iraq interaction aftermath. In the interest of researchers, academia and political science, it is imperative that this case is given critical assessment. This issue presents an avenue of intellectual discourse concerning the diverse disciplines that discuss international relations. In view of the social structure, economic policies and political strategies, this debate covers substantial research ideas that are important to ascertain the validity and credibility of existing knowledge.
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION
Background
The United States’ stay in Iraq has been on the global spotlight for over a decade. The question that scholars keep asking is the consequences this has on their relations. According to Lake, apart from Iraq, United States interest in the Middle East has raised eyebrows leading to in-depth research on various dimensions (2009:19-20). The Geopolitics of Middle East has been a significant contributor to its overall influence in the global economy. However, its socio-economic policies and political system has been the subject of discussion. Iraq wields a lot of power in the region, and its political ideologies were being seen as a threat by the west. It is not a matter of retelling the chronology of the United States’ invasion of Iraq, but the impacts this has on the global socio-economic and political position America occupy. According to Christol, diverse acts of atrocities under the guise of setting the new global order of democracy was met with mixed reactions by Middle East countries and Iraq in particular (2004: 47-9). In this research, it is paramount to note that the raging debate on the theoretical concepts surrounding diplomatic relations is the center stage for international peace agreements.
According to Tate, the traditional mentality that international relations were limited to particular disciplines is ruled out (2010: 128-9). This explains the need to break away from the confines of philosophy, sociology and economics as the only relevant disciplines exploring diplomatic ties. International relations theories should equally not be misconstrued as solely for academia. This means it should be given much attention as it plays a critical role in mutual understandings in, cross boundary relationships especially in this wake of open economies. The current relationship between United States and Iraq offers a lot of lessons on the feasibility of tested theories concerning international relations. It reflects the complex international interactions that are characterized by divergent socio-economic and political ideologies. Kenneth N. Waltz is one of the scholars who assert the fact that diplomatic history has been marred with elitist decision making.
Statement of the Problem
Waltz roots for empirical testability of the existing knowledge and on falsifications as a methodological ideal, which, as he admits, can have only a limited application in international relations. The case of US attack on Saddam Hussein and subsequent changes in approaches of managing Iraq indicates two sides of international relations theories. These include realism and idealism key in defining the relations among states and U.S – Iraq in particular. A realist theory can be seen as a tradition of speculation about the society or states. However, Ikenberry, et al. claims that in international relations the realist theory is based on emphasizing the constraints imposed on politics by the nature of human beings (2009: 93-4). The realists belief that national self-interest mandate nations to constantly demand power for the purpose of security and existence.
Hans Morgenthau is of the opinion that power is the undisputable feature which determines states policy on both foreign and domestic policies. The realist theory is also known as the power or traditional theory which is centered on power politics. It is concerned with an explanation of what happened, how it happened which is used to predict the trend of what to happen in the future. The lessons observable from the case of the U.S – Iraq relationship triggers further research into the theories that must be discussed to boost the increasing need for an International Corporation.
According to Brennan, United States wield political and economic power and therefore play a central role in making decisions on global issues (2013: 139-40). The capitalism ideology has seen the America make several attempts sink the communism, and this was the disguised intention of America. Military intervention by the U.S in most of its operation in the Middle East has significantly tainted its image in the international platform. Fingers point at neoconservatives who were well connected as the key architects behind the Iraq war. In regard to Guney, there was a political motive behind the lobbying with economic strategies (2007: 64-7). It is worth to note the involvement of many U.S presidents during their long stay of U.S military operatives in Iraq. The intertwining realism versus idealism approach dictates the perception of various people towards the U.S on how they handled Iraq.
CHAPTER II: LITERATURE REVIEW
In respect of all facts towards the US relationship with Iraq, a lot of historical statistics can be established. Considering the deteriorating power of the U.S in 1972 as it was losing the battle to the Vietnam, the same may hold for the case of Iraq. The ensuing scenario compelled President Richard Nixon to create an entente which was meant to deal with Soviet Union using China. Although this approach worked, concerns were raised over U.S alliance with such a genocidal Chinese government. In the words of Ryan & Kiely, this case is an equivalence of the U.S strategy of using neighbouring countries to Iraq like Iran to manage it (2009:351-2). This was a case of idealism approach that actually cost the U.S as the global view of the unfolding event was that of using military power to prove a point. All the above cases presented a dilemma to the United States. The attempt to reconcile morals with ideals was difficult. Political scientists noted that it was prudent for U.S to form an alliance with China, Russia or Britain, but this was likely to taint d’etre raison for the administration of U.S. The other side of the argument fronted for moral regime would only be available when the regime itself was existing. This event exposed the diverse strategies of the U.S to defend its socio-economic and political position in the world against the rising influence of Nazi and the existing Soviet Union. The case of Saddam’s increasing influence in the 1990’s, in the Middle East had begun to shake U.S in a similar way, and this must have been initiated sensitivity towards Iraq.
Another school of thought refers to United States past records in international relations like in the case of Soviet Union, Britain and china. It is apparent that US had to manage Iraq with allied support of some countries in the Middle East. The ironical twist over this incident was that such allied states are always morally incongruent with U.S. This is the underlying truth in the case of Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role in boosting operation of U.S. against the AL Qaeda. On this basis, Iraqi problem was seen as normal and justified. Critical evaluation of the arguments registered by various entities to this effect leaves one clear indication that Iraq invasion by United States was valid. Feldman believes that there was an extension of the discussion that Middle East democracy would only be achieved through the United States approach (2003: 41-4). The finite nature of American power necessitated the support by other countries in its attempt to eliminate Jihadists. This is a supportive idea to the fact that foreign engagement in some cases depending on the circumstance may require back up by other states. The Muslim Radicals in Iraq were many and neighbouring states input is required in terms of military training ground, strategic planning and intelligence services.
One lesson that was learnt from this incident is United States’ inability to overthrow regimes while at the same time courting alliance. Idealism approach assertion that a country cannot continue its moral policies while pursuing economic and physical security is trivial. In some circumstances, security demands power which is always entangled in corruption. Besides, seeking justice without sufficient force may turn tables against the country. All these facts indicate that American must just have its military force in its fingertips and use it when situations arise. In this respect, U.S involvement in the Middle East was likely to be interrupted with poor democracy in Iraq hence its use of military force. After all, in the socio-political history, there are claims that sometimes war can come to an individual even without igniting it. The situation of America in Iraq exposed it to two mandatory moral losses i.e. annihilation or an opportunistic corruption.
Meernik asserts that the political leadership does not offer the luxury of thinking about fair decision making (2004: 120-3). Even not taking action is considered a decision in the political sense. A critical assessment of the respective regimes of George Washington, Franklin Roosevelt, and Richard Nixon to Barrack Obama only explores one doctrine. Long term goals are the best for sustainable political principle otherwise short term is coupled with a lot of compromises. United States has been a leading campaigner for capitalism and past wars like with Vietnam was pursued to this effect. Such have been its strategic plan of imposing new world order and suspected threat is to be smashed by dialogue or war. It is, therefore, no strange that Iraq was headed the wrong way hence its collision with U.S. Some historians point out that if idealism approach had been used by United States, Adolf Hitler would have triumphed in World War II. It is, therefore, critical for the U.S government to understand that seeking democracy beyond its political resources and military endowment, threatens strength of democracy. This idea complimented with the observed relationship existing between US and Iraq reveals that, in some circumstances, national interest’s defense justifies individual interest’s protection.
The moral argument in respect of United States involvement in the war with Iraq, in a show of fighting for democracy stands out excellent. There is a good moral rationale against U.S setting up a military base in Saudi Arabia and provoking the Al Qaeda. According to McCormick, one reality that United States has to contend with is that it has many enemies against few allied forces that it can use to pursue its will in the Middle East (2010: 102-5). Just like the case of the cold war and World War II, moral policies must be preceded by splitting and crashing the enemy. In respect to Middle East, United States had to use divide and rule strategy to strengthen its presence in the region against the opposition of Saddam Hussein and Al Qaeda militia. This was evident with Bush’s pragmatic approach in Iraq. Martin puts it that the realism theory of politics resurfaces equally in the debate of U.S – Iraq relationship (2003:51-3). This concept disposes morality as it can compromise the security of the country. It is common knowledge that United States attack of Iraq was not authorized by United Nations for obvious reasons. While UN relies on proving guilt, U.S move indicated that they were investigating innocence on matters of nuclear weapons. However, from the perspective of Americans, pursuing moral discourse would disadvantage their interest of gaining influence in the Middle East hence compromise their long term economic and political schemes. The pretense of invading Iraq in search for weapons of mass destruction was not approved by the UN Security Council. The realists argue that the foreign policy understates the significance of morality. In this respect, America pursued its individual interest in Iraq through military intervention in a show of absolute power thereby evoking rebellion from most of the Arab states like Iran and other Muslim radical entities like al Qaeda. Realists champion for strong military power as a platform for international political deals. America had tried this in Vietnam and Iraq with less care about the feeling of other countries. Crusade for capitalism has been its priority and cannot be interrupted by any force lest they issue military reinforcement. This means heavy spending on the military by citizens’ tax. The recent withdrawal of U.S military personnel from Iraq by Obama has nothing to show in terms of gain to American citizens since their invasion.
United States applied different strategies to tame Iraq and restore what they termed as political sanity. This means that, in some instances, mixed policies were employed. In that respect, President Bush was seen as beginning to pursue realism and liberalism. In this case, multilateral ties with other countries make it difficult to wage war in a foreign land in an attempt to solve a problem. With the increasing international pressure from the allies of U.S particularly the Middle East countries in regard to how it was handling Iraq, it had to bring in liberalism approach. As Amstutz explains, the Middle East holds a significant position in the global trade but their strong geopolitical unity and congruent religious doctrines had begun to threaten U.S actions in Iraq (2013: 87-9). To minimize on any potential loss of track on its mission in Middle East and keep its diplomatic ties intact, it masterminded evicting Saddam Hussein from power and planned a democratic process of coming up with a new president. This is an approach of the complex independence which required America to push for internal acceptance by the Iraqi citizens. To achieve this, they installed a president who would consent to most of their policies while lobbying for peace in the public. International relations proved indispensable to the U.S, and this culminated to the commencement of withdrawing troops. The United States had substantial trade and socio-political policy disagreements with some of its Middle East allies like Israel, but was not easy to use military intervention to bring a solution. In such scenarios, United States used economic incentives to press for their interests.
Past political records identify President Clinton as the only leader who effectively blended realism with idealism in the process of promoting human rights. Brutal actions of United States in Iraq were carried out at the height of Bush leadership. He was a strict idealist who inadvertently ignored the public talk against U.S invasion of Iraq. It did not matter to him what the outcome would be provided the mission was focused on meeting the demands of America. A lot of corruption, deceit and propaganda misinformed the actions of Bush and he completely considered Saddam Hussein a tyrant who needed elimination. The picture painted all over in the entire military operation including the capture and execution of Saddam Hussein is an explicit show of absolute idealism. There is a tricky policy yoke in which Obama found himself. In view of Kaufman, the progressive withdrawal of U.S troops from Iraqi has placed his presidency under some question mark (2013: 123-4). The ongoing policy reforms in Iraqi portray him as a realist, but there is an information gap here since these are mere implementation of Bush’s plans. While Obama was campaigning in 2004 for the presidency, the issue of Iraq was coming out more prominently, and that tag has always remained controversial in the wake of his recent past foreign policies. The eminent lose that United States had begun to foresee made the congress push for withdrawal from Iraq. From 2003 United States had begun to apply diplomacy in handling the Iraqi situation.
There are many effects that U.S invasion of Iraq has caused within the tenets of its socio-economic and political landscape. There has been internal rebellion against western policies by a section of Muslim radicals that has made Iraqi a place of frequent bombing. Initially, a Muslim dominated country; there has been a gradual shift in socio-cultural behaviour which U.S wanted to use as a medium of infiltrating the society (Fernández, & Smith, 2005: 123). A lot of reported U.S led atrocities caused emotional pain to many citizens especially during 2003. The pursuit of Saddam Hussein and subsequent execution was coupled with mass infrastructural destruction, and this significantly affected the economic progress of Iraq. It is worth to note that Iraq owns a significant proportion of OPEC supply share, but this was affected by the explosion of many oil fields over the 1991 gulf war period ignited by the United States. It is worth noting that misrepresentation of facts by media and the underlying realities all worked against the United State in respect to their foreign ties with Arab League Nations (Rabasa, 2004: 156). Mass destruction meted on Iraqi people was considered to create more instability as Iraqi was forced to retaliate against U.S sympathizers like Kuwait (Ikenberry, & Moon, 2008: 89-90). Iraqi was seen as the epicenter of Muslim extremists’ groups like Al Qaeda, which has put the citizens under perennial fear of explosives. On the political front, destruction of Saddam attracted mixed feelings of the Iraqi people but the majority had a taste of a democratic election.
Multi-dimensional analysis of post invasion in Iraqi put the USA at the losing end. This perceived failure by United States significantly affected its standing in the UN council. Its unauthorized invasion of the Iraqi raised the question on its voting rights within the UN. The Security Council had to lobby for adoption of more friendly foreign policies in respect to the United States dwindling relationship with Iraq. The new turn of events from 2003 exposed the vulnerability of U.S if it was to continue with its brutal attack on Iraq. In this regard, a more favourable international relations approach that would conform to the growing pressure of globalization was proposed (Mccormick, 2010: 187). The theory of complex interdependency requires a more diplomatic approach towards international disagreements. United States presence in Iraq was slowly increasing the tension in Middle East, and this even sucked in other influential states in the region like Iran (Lebow, 2008: 56). It was out of this growing multilateral trade ties that forced United State to begin a journey into diplomacy. This theory is referred to as liberalism and comes between traditional idealism and realism.
Outright declaration of war without UN Security Council was becoming more challenging to the U.S, and this prompted Obama administration to start pulling out troops as a way of showing commitment towards new international policies. Although the complex link between realism and idealism political ideologies has not been exhausted, liberalism came in handy for the U.S as a potential power broker in this era of globalization.
CHAPTER III: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
This chapter outlines the research design which offers an explanation into what type of research this study is. It also defines the population of the study and the particular sampling technique used. The process of data collection is carefully detailed, and the method of data analysis explained. As Maoz points, the event that has taken place in Iraq is recorded in various items that include publications and other sources (2004:57-8). The mode of data search and analysis in this definitely constituted critical assessment of the past records. In the opinion of Harvey, the print and electronic media has been at the forefront of covering a series of activities that took place in Iraqi, and they have been a consistent supplier of relevant information although thorough verification is important in this case (2012:67-9). In the words of Blight, political analysts give opinion on the observed behavior of the general majority and therefore most of the journals featuring in newspapers and magazines are a fertile ground for quality evidence in support of the underlying facts of the subject matter (2012:70-2).
Research Design
Research design is considered as a “blueprint” for research, dealing with at least four problems: which questions to study, which data are relevant, what data to collect, and how to analyze the results. In this case, several organizations and secondary data collection approach would be appropriate. According to White, the best design depends on the research question as well as the orientation of the researcher (2010:77-8). The study will adopt descriptive survey as a method of collecting information by using a standardized form of interview schedule and administering a questionnaire to a sample of individuals and institutions. In the opinion of Lake, this method is most appropriate for the analytical study of the existing relationship of the United States and Iraq from different perspectives (2009:57-8). Both the secondary and primary data will be used in the analysis. As Maxwell puts it, Partial quantitative data included the graphical representation of the economic trends through the period of Invasion which sets avenue for analytical search of relevant facts (2005:81-2). Thompson claims that the United States was seen as having applied the three theories of international relations across the decade, and this must have resulted to different economic growth and development trend in Iraq (2009:12-5). The current reconstruction in progress is seen to be facing various intrinsic challenges and hence need for comparative analysis of the past development records and present. According to Thompson, Lange, & Peltason, the design is also suitable because it gives an in-depth description of the phenomena in their existing setting (2010:58-9). Descriptive survey is also preferred because it is economical in collecting data from over a large sample with high data turn over.
The study will use both qualitative and quantitative approaches since the research will need to survey Iraqi and American Scholars, expectation and citizens’ understanding in using the prevailing international relationship between the two countries. As asserted by Laurel, this will be an appropriate variable in collecting and summarizing data that will be used in analyzing the researchers, political leaders, economic analysts and the civilian community’s expectations and understanding in the theories applicable in United States attach in Iraq (2003:67-8). According to Thompson, this research strategy has been considered necessary because of its ability to view comprehensively and in detail the major questions raised in the discussion (2009:87-8). The proposed research will be divided into 2 stages. The first stage will mainly focus on inspecting existing sources to uncover usage figures any information that will be useful during the study. The second stage will include qualitative research to provide in-depth information regarding theoretical view and expectation of the society. In the agreement with Maoz, the recent emergence of globalization is attached to the liberalism theory of international relationships (2004:72-4). It is, therefore, important to note that the various schools of thoughts are represented by different scholars and are derived from their level of efficiency learnt from past experiences.
Data Collection
This is a qualitative research that focuses on the relationship between United States and Iraq. It is, therefore, important to note that much attention will be accorded the secondary data. As Harvey puts it, critical information can be attained through extensive literature review of past information (2012:64-8). In most cases, the cost against time factor is taken into consideration when settling on a particular source of data. Qualitative data may not take much time in analysis but requires extensive verification for the validity, reliability and relevance. According to Blight, the subject under study is a mixture of history, politics economics and sociology and therefore needs diverse sources that would be brought together (2012:74-5). Parts of the study were analyzed through a well-structured questionnaire that was assigned to top socio-economic and political opinion leaders. White says that this includes United Nations agencies particularly the Security Council as the topic under consideration requires the input of its administrative perspectives (2010:79).
Reporting
Following the qualitative and qualitative nature of the proposed study, an interim presentation-report was reported. This was be followed by a meeting with the sponsors of the research to discuss the next of the research. An outline PowerPoint presentation was created for the interim presentation. Once the sponsors had given the go ahead, there was a formal presentation of the entire findings, together will the conclusions drawn. Two copies of the research summarizing the results of all phases of the research were then submitted to the necessary stakeholders.
Data Management and Ethical Consideration
The collected data is largely qualitative and therefore a descriptive analysis various journals, books and other secondary data from the historic archives was used. Besides, Microsoft management systems e.g. excel and access could not be significant in managing and controlling qualitative research outcomes.
Reliability and Validity of the data analysis Instruments
The information attained from past records was tested for reliability, and it emerges that the scholars or authors have deep academic background with long standing experience thereby boosting the verification of the issued information.
Chapter Summary
The chapter has largely outlined the research design; the survey method was selected because the study focuses more than one case in the population. The population was divided into strata from which the sample size was selected. The chapter then proceeded to outline the procedure for data collection and outlined the process for data analysis.
CHAPTER IV: RESEARCH FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS
Evaluation, analysis and interpretation of this topics finding needs clear cut definition of qualitative and quantitative research. It is important to note that the sources of data for this subject are primarily secondary and more of quantitative. It is, therefore, imperative that the emphasis is put on relating the learnt internal relations theories with the practical implication on the relationship between United States and Iraq. In view of Kaufman, there are several findings that can be discussed in the US invasion of Iraq, its consequences with particular focus on their relationship (2013: 125-7). Initially, Iraq was seen as the center stage of streamlining Middle East by the Western powers as it was very strong and influential in the region. The aftermath of the decade long presence of United States in Iraq has severely weakened it, and its political voice in the region is virtually missing. All these are attributed to the United States efforts to use Iraq in propagating its agenda in the Middle East. The overthrowing and execution of Saddam Hussein was received by mixed reactions across the country and the Arab world at large. It can be noted that narratives of the past events in Iraq remained polarized since the socio-economic policies of US in Iraq significantly affected the Middle East. He internal socio-economic and political changes in Iraq have resonated in outside its borders due to many observed factors that include a shift in political mechanisms.
According to Cohen, the emergence of elected government in which political elites from the majority Shia was empowered coupled with the formal recognition of Kurdish regional autonomy and the widespread sectarian violence significantly contributed to instability in the region (2003: 67-9). These facts lead to a contested debate by the Iraqi scholars, researchers, and common citizens to hold divergent views concerning the United States foreign policy and its consequences in the world socio-economic and political order. Martin says it is evident from the research that United States shift of attention towards areas of emerging dynamics of change which includes Arab world uprisings experienced in Iran and Syria evoked Iraqis emotions on perceived negligence by the western policy makers (2003:56-8). Statistics still indicated that Iraq was United States bargaining point in the Middle East due to its geostrategic centrality within the region. Critical evaluation and analysis of the situation in Iraq was seen to be the indicator of predicted future of the entire Arab world. This meant that the United States initiated political crisis in Iraq was seen as a catalytic to the future socio-economic development challenges beyond the borders. The report on the Unites States relationship with Iraq brought out many perspectives of its socio-economic and political future since its inversion. This is closely discussed in relation to the different theories of international relations applicable in the scenario. It began with an overview of the political changes experienced since United States launched their operations in Iraq with much focus on political violence, economic conflicts and the campaign on nation-state coupled with a complex transition of political power from dictatorship to democratic outfit. The research findings related to the relationship between the two countries of diametrically opposite cultures emphasizes the implication of Iraq’s domestic politics, its foreign policies and subsequent relationship with Middle East and international powers. According to Feldman, this constitutes the impact of regime changes on the public understanding of democracy (2003:87-9). Other vari
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