George W. Bush and the Iraq War of 2003

Abstract

The George W. Bush administration invaded Iraq in 2003, capitalizing on the public fear and paranoia generated by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In arguing for war, the Bush administration utilized flawed and biased intelligence reports to frame the United States' position towards Iraq. Bush and his advisers employed deception to influence public opinion regarding the war. They also labored under the illusion that their efforts would achieve significant payoffs. Factors that contributed to their decisions included: Neo-conservatism, American exceptionalism, the military-industrial complex, and groupthink. The ultimate aim of the administration was to control Iraqi oil following the removal of Saddam Hussein from power and in so doing promote American expansion through the use of military force.