By Elizabeth Pierdominici
As the war in Iraq thrives, the clock is ticking for an answer to the pressing question: Is there a sufficient and timely end to the war?
Stuart Schaar, professor of Middle East and Global History at Brooklyn College, CUNY answered yes to this question during the lecture entitled, “The Iraq War and Its Aftermath,” on Oct. 27.
He reviewed the consequences of U.S. intervention in past conflicts and currently in Iraq. The week prior to the presidential election, students and adults eagerly filled the seats and lined the walls of the Cultural Center Theater, to engage in an analytical discussion on the war in Iraq and its resolution.
“The U.S.- led invasion of Iraq on March 19, 2003, is largely the product of blowback or the unexpected byproduct of what policy-makers might have originally viewed as wise planning,” Schaar said.
Schaar placed responsibility for Iraq’s occupancy of Kuwait on the U.S. and Soviet Union arming Saddam Hussein in the 1980s. He added, fluctuating support for Saddam Hussein and Ayatollah Khomeini placed Iraq and Iran in a costly conflict; the price being loss of lives and Hussein’s gain of regional power.
Schaar also focused on Pakistan, where during the time of the Iraq and Iran war CIA operatives backed Muslim fighters and helped end Soviet influence in Afghanistan. The recruitment included Osama bin Laden, who led guerrilla warriors, or muhajideen, into a jihad.
“Most of the Muslim fighters returned to their homes with U.S. money, arms and know-how about overthrowing regimes and organized or participated insurrections,” Schaar said. Consequently, traces of this byproduct affected Algeria, Bosnia, Chechnya and currently affects Iraq.
Schaar continued to express his unabashed disappointment in U.S. interventions by comparing the First Persian Gulf War of 1991, under former President George Bush, to the current war in Iraq under President George W. Bush.
“The elder Bush argued, legalistically and correctly that UN resolutions gave no authority to overthrow the Iraqi state,” Schaar said. “But the way the war ended left an opening for Bush Jr. to accomplish what his father had failed to achieve, the removal of the tyrant Saddam Hussein.”
Schaar also told students the National Security Council experienced repercussions for sanctions that intended to subdue Hussein’s influence in Iraq and eliminate weapons of mass destruction. Immediately after the fighting ended, Iraqis began looting schools, hospitals and factories in what Schaar called, “An orgy of anarchy, which contributed to the disintegration of the regime.” The result was the electrical grid systems and damns were not properly managed and left Iraq with an unstable infrastructure.
Schaar concluded his analysis by offering seven points the U.S. government should take note of for the future. He highlighted lessons from Vietnam and Algeria.
“The U.S. needs to set a timetable for withdrawal,” Schaar said. “That will force Iraqis to form political coalitions to prepare for transitions.”
He said a timetable would also aid in the purchase of oil and stable elections in Iraq.
Professor Stuart Schaar disucussed when the right time to leave Iraq will be. (Elizabeth Pierdominici/The Chronicle)