The Iraq War’s Complicated Legacy
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TL;DR
- The author, an Iraq War veteran, reflects on the conflict after the US withdrawal, noting that coverage often missed the full picture.
- He acknowledges the war was a mistake based on flawed intelligence regarding weapons of mass destruction and links between Saddam Hussein and al-Qaeda.
- Despite the errors, the author believes the world is a better place without Saddam Hussein, highlighting Iraq's transition to a flawed democracy.
- The piece details the immense human cost of the war, including American casualties, and the personal struggles faced by veterans.
- The author expresses admiration for the bravery and toughness of enlisted personnel and non-commissioned officers who served.
- He concludes that while the war was a mistake, there are aspects to take pride in, such as the character of those who served and the eventual removal of an evil dictator.