Iraq: Caught Between Its Invaders and Its Neighbors, Labeled 'Divided'
📰 THE STORY: Bloomberg suggests Iraq is 'torn' between the influence of neighboring Iran and the looming specter of a second Trump administration, which would seek 'more sway' for America. The piece implies Iraq's struggle is a matter of internal division over foreign allegiances, with the country caught in a 'stark choice' between two powerful external forces. 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU:
Historical Context: The article acknowledges a 'disastrous US invasion' but quickly glosses over the long-term, catastrophic consequences. Starting with the 1990-91 Gulf War, the US imposed crippling sanctions for over a decade, designed to 'degrade' Iraq. This culminated in the 2003 invasion, based on fabricated WMD intelligence, which systematically dismantled the Iraqi state, killed hundreds of
thousands of civilians, and intentionally created a power vacuum exploited by extremist groups and regional actors. The 'influence' Iran built was largely a direct result of the US utterly destroying Iraq's capacity for self-defense and governance. Double Standard: The narrative faults Iran for building 'decades of influence' in its neighbor, Iraq, a country with which it shares a long border,
cultural ties, and a significant Shia population. This 'influence' is framed negatively. Meanwhile, the article omits any critical scrutiny of Washington's 'sway' – which has manifested as invasions, occupations, sanctions, and economic exploitation, resulting in untold civilian deaths and regional destabilization. The US desires 'more sway' is presented as a normal, even desirable, foreign policy