Conflict in Iraq: Retribution for 9/11, or Grave Mistake?

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Conflict in Iraq: Retribution for 9/11, or Grave Mistake? September 11, 2001 is a date in American history that will not be forgotten by American citizens. After the assault on both the Twin Towers in Manhattan, and the Pentagon in Washington D.C., the attitude and policies of both the American people and the U.S. government changed. Fear crept out from every corner on the street, and hatred and discrimination ambled out of every store or gas station that was run predominantly by citizens of Middle Eastern descent. In response, President Bush told the American people "We will never forget," meaning the people responsible for the attacks would be found, and payback would be ensured. However, instead of hunting down Osama bin Laden (the leader of the terrorist group al-Qaeda) or Mohammed Atta (mastermind behind the 9/11 events), the U.S. decided to hunt Saddam Hussein. Secretary of State Colin Powell (directed by the U.S. government) reported in a speech given on Feb. 5, 2003 that Saddam had both the materials and the means to create weapons of mass destruction and also had links to the terrorists in al-Qaeda ("The Path to War"). This declaration led the United States declaring on March 17, 2003 that Hussein and his sons had 48 hours to leave the country or else the United States would take military action ("Iraq Timeline"). Hussein and his family did not comply, and on March 20, 2003, George W. Bush started bombing Iraq, particularly where Saddam and his officials were thought to be hiding. On May 1, 2003 President Bush declared the conflict over, a mere 42 days after the fighting officially started. To this day, conflict and death still reign in Iraq. The U.S. held military power over Iraq and set up democratic elections to help develop a democratic and American-supporting country. The government was handed to the Iraqis on June 28, 2004. At present day, fighting between the U.S. Army and indigenous insurgents, combined with the killing of American hostages amount to a great deal of strife and agony to the American people. On average, 3 – 4 U.S. citizens serving in the military die each day in Iraq, and some days have amassed as many as 12 deaths in one day. ("Casualties in Iraq") I urge the American people to realize this is a great injustice. I do not condone 9/11 in any way, shape or form.

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