In 1917, when Lt Gen Stanley Maude made his proclamation of liberation upon entering Baghdad, the Iraqi population knew they were met with colonization, not freedom. By 1920, widespread resentment towards British rule sparked a rebellion that united the diverse sects, classes, and regions of Iraq. The British response included an extensive aerial bombing campaign which resulted in thousands of civilian deaths, showcasing the brutal reality behind imperial claims of liberators, deepening the animosity against foreign domination.
George HW Bush’s announcement in 1991 framed the U.S. invasion of Iraq as a humanitarian effort, claiming no conflict with the Iraqi people while sanctions severely harmed Iraqi infrastructure. Albright's chilling response about the alleged cost of 500,000 Iraqi children’s lives reflects a profound disregard for human consequences in the geopolitical strategy, emphasizing the stark difference between political rhetoric and the stark realities of war and rule.
When George W. Bush initiated the 2003 invasion of Iraq, he echoed historical justifications by asserting the aim was to assist the Iraqi people in overthrowing their ‘lawless’ leaders. Despite these claims of goodwill, a 2013 study revealed near half a million excess deaths attributable to the invasion and subsequent occupation. This highlights a troubling pattern: despite promises of liberation, foreign intervention often leads to profound suffering and loss of life.
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