19 Years After the Invasion: A Reflection on the U.S. Military Presence in Iraq

Nineteen years ago the Bush administration launched the invasion of Iraq under the pretext of weapons of mass destruction, which was later proven false. While the invasion of Iraq removed Saddam Hussein’s brutal dictatorship from power, it also unleashed an era of sectarian violence, extremism, and abuses. 

Nearly two decades later, U.S. troops remain in Iraq under attenuated congressional authorizations. As we look back on the past nineteen years with the gift of hindsight, we should consider the ways in which the military-industrial complex and foreign policy establishment influenced our continued occupation. And more importantly, hear from those directly affected by this conflict: veterans, military families, and Iraqi civilians. 

Join us for a panel discussion with international activist Dina Al Bayati, who lived through the invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq, Brandi Jones, Marine spouse and Organizing Director of the Secure Families Initiative, and Iraq war veterans: Dan Caldwell, a former Marine who now serves as Vice President of Foreign Policy for Stand Together, Joanna Sweatt, a former Marine who now serves as National Field Manager for Common Defense, and U.S. Army veteran Naveed Shah, Political Director of Common Defense. Quincy Institute Research Fellow Adam Weinstein will moderate.

The Yemen War in Numbers: Saudi Escalation and U.S. Complicity

President Biden came into office pledging to end U.S. support for the Saudi-led war on Yemen, yet it has become clear that he has not. Now, in the context of rising oil prices, Biden is considering whether to give in to Saudi and Emirati demands that he escalate assistance for their war in exchange for increasing fossil fuel production. Yet as recent events have demonstrated, America’s partners in the Middle East are hedging despite the Biden administration’s extensive support for their defense: they hope to strengthen their relationships with Moscow and Beijing while continuing to reap the benefits of Washington’s largesse. In the seven years since the Saudi-led coalition launched their war on Yemen, the U.S. has been complicit in selling weapons and providing assistance without which the Saudis could not conduct their military operations.

Join The Intercept’s Jeremy Scahill, Yemen Relief and Reconstruction founder Aisha Jumaan, and The Cato Institute’s Justin Logan as they discuss a new brief from the Quincy Institute’s Annelle Sheline, using data to highlight the U.S. role in supporting the war on Yemen and show parallels between Putin’s military assault on Ukraine and Mohammed bin Salman’s seven-year effort to destroy Yemen. Moderated by QI Executive Vice President Trita Parsi.