How ‘Shock and Awe’ Ended

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Last U.S. troops leave Iraq, ending war (Reuters)

Beyond the most obvious in cost of lives and the US Treasury, the silent departure of US Forces leaves an indelible mark on an ill-fated adventure. The pro-Bush intelligentsia use the line: “Wait and see, it’s too early, let history decide.” True, a former US proxy and Stalinist dictator met his untimely death, but how many innocent lives were lost, bodies maimed for life, mental health wrecked? The cost has been too high and at no time it was the walk-over US leadership promised. There was no necessity to prepare for phase IV – Ensuring Postwar Stability – in the aftermath of ‘Shock and Awe’. The result was a prolonged battle where US morals were tested … and failed miserably. Fallujah massacre, civilians murdered at US road blocks, nightly invasion of Iraqi homes, cultural shock in harsh treatment. The nightmare of prisoner treatment, Abu Ghraib prison, rendition, and Guatanamo Bay on the island of Cuba. [In August 2009, Eric Holder announced immunization for torture crimes]

The US has never been able to befriend the Iraqi people nor its present leadership democratically chosen. All Iraqis who were employed by US Forces in the military and in civilian jobs live in mortal fear what the future will bring. They are seen as traitors and can’t get out of Iraq as a refugee because of US red tape.

The US adventure and fulfilled departure has left behind a hostile nation and a region in turmoil. The US and the West seek friends with the Gulf oil rich states (Sunnis) and stalwart ally Israel. To offset the loss of stability within the three major factions in Iraq, the US is putting additional pressure and sanctions on long-time foe Iran (Shia). Clearly the nation which has gained most in influence since the US operations of Infinite Justice – later dubbed Enduring Freedom – in Afghanistan. The crusader lost and the Islamic nation will be the winner.

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Mr Bush said: "This crusade, this war on terrorism, is going to take a while."

After the attacks of 9/11, the psychic of you and me, family, friends and communities changed forever. Hate speech and populist candidates for political office have triumphed in the Western world with so-called judeo-christian values. The aftermath of the Bush years will permeate society throughout the 21th century. What a bad deal we got in Florida in the year 2000.