Who was the US fighting in Iraq? This question has been at the heart of numerous debates and discussions since the United States’ invasion of Iraq in 2003. The conflict was complex, involving various factions and actors with differing motivations and goals. Understanding the key players and their roles is crucial for comprehending the context and consequences of the war.
The primary adversary the US faced in Iraq was the Iraqi government, led by President Saddam Hussein. Hussein’s regime was accused of harboring weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and supporting terrorism, which justified the US-led invasion. However, as the war unfolded, it became apparent that the conflict was not solely against the Iraqi government. The US and its allies had to confront a myriad of other enemies and allies, each with their own agendas.
One of the most significant groups the US had to combat was the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI), later known as the Islamic State (IS) or ISIS. This jihadist group emerged in the wake of the US occupation and sought to establish an Islamic caliphate in the region. The US, along with its coalition partners, fought against ISIS to prevent the group from gaining further territory and to dismantle its infrastructure.
Another critical adversary was the Shiite-dominated Iraqi government, led by Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. The US had to navigate its relationship with the Shiite government, which often had conflicting interests with the US-led coalition. This relationship was further complicated by the presence of Shiite militias, such as the Mahdi Army, which were often at odds with the US forces.
Additionally, the Kurds, an ethnic group living in northern Iraq, played a significant role in the conflict. The Kurds sought greater autonomy and, in some cases, full independence from the Iraqi government. The US had to balance its support for the Kurds with its commitment to maintaining stability in the region.
On the other side of the conflict, various countries and non-state actors provided support to the Iraqi government and its allies. Iran, for instance, offered military and political backing to the Shiite government and its militias. Turkey, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia were also concerned about the rise of jihadist groups and the potential for instability in the region, and thus, they provided support to the US-led coalition.
The US fight in Iraq was not just against a singular enemy but a complex array of factions with varying interests. Understanding the diverse array of actors and their motivations is essential for grasping the full scope of the conflict and its implications for the Middle East and the world at large.
