We won the war, but lost the victory.
That charge can legitimately be made about Iraq. It could also be legitimately made about World War I, World War II, and Vietnam. In all these, initial goals were not achieved of either preserving the status quo or creating a more peaceful world order.
Inevitably, domestically and abroad, new inimical forces are strengthened or unleashed, encouraged by our turning inward. World War I led to the rise of state fascism and communism, as we focused on our own comforts. World War II led to Eastern Europe and China behind the Iron and Bamboo Curtains, and Russia and China feeling able to take South Korea from our inattention. Vietnam (which was won, only to be tossed to the wolves of an overwhelming invasion) led to a generation of US defeatism and half-measures that encouraged today’s jihadism.
On the other hand, World War I spread the ideal of self-rule and led to the end of colonialism that sapped rulers’ wealth and honor. World War II led to the world-wide wealth-producing leadership of American free enterprise. Vietnam bought the time for emergence of vibrant economies among those that allowed greater freedom.
The Clinton years were the ascendancy of those whose lesson from Vietnam was, at best, half-measures in the face of clear threats and attacks. The irony of much these same people populating the Obama administration is not lost on aggressors, despite Obama saying during the campaign “The real gamble in this election is playing the same Washington game with the same Washington players and expecting a different result.”
While WMD’s were not discovered in Iraq, neither has the extant capacity to produce them survived. While sectarian competition simmers, none are subjugated nor victims of state oppression. While democracy has not spread through the region, neither has any power the strength to impose itself. While terrorist organizations continue their threats, their power and draw has been stifled and we have avoided domestic attacks.
What will Iraq bring that’s more positive? A recognition that others must take greater responsibility for their own fate would be welcome, but unlikely. Perhaps more likely will be a greater recognition and appreciation for the US’ leadership and sacrifices. But, that will only come after a period of suffering reduced US willingness to bravely lead and sacrifice.
The ending of prior wars led to our electorate relaxing and turning its attentions internally. That led to increasing the potentials for those with nefarious objectives to try their chances. We’ve done it again. And so will they. Comparatively, The US will emerge from the global economic meltdown as strong or stronger than ever, as our innate and predominant values of free and responsible initiative are strengthened while others are more committed to statist stultifying.
Good thing, because we have also repeated the error of turning in, which will only encourage those abroad with nefarious objectives.
The operation will, again, have been successful, and the victory lost.
History continues, and future generations will pay the price.
