Where Do the Candidates Stand on the Iraq War?
The Iraq War, also referred to as the Second Gulf War, began in 2003 with the United States-led invasion of Iraq. Since then, the war has been a highly debated and controversial topic, both domestically and internationally. As the 2020 US presidential election approaches, it is crucial to understand where the candidates stand on the Iraq War and their plans for its future.
Joe Biden
Joe Biden, the Democratic nominee for President, has been vocal about his views on the Iraq War. He initially voted in favor of the Iraq War in 2002, stating that he believed Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction and posed a threat to the US. However, he later admitted that it was a mistake and publicly apologized for his vote.
In his current presidential campaign, Biden has promised to end the war and bring American troops home, stating that the US should focus on fighting terrorism instead. He also plans to engage with regional leaders in the Middle East to help stabilize Iraq. However, he has not given a definite timeline for the withdrawal of troops.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for President, has also been vocal about his stance on the Iraq War. He has continuously criticized the decision to invade Iraq and has claimed that he was against the war from the beginning. However, this claim has been disputed by fact-checkers, who have found evidence of Trump expressing support for the war before it began.
During his presidency, Trump has been working towards an eventual withdrawal of US troops from Iraq. In August 2020, he announced that he would reduce the number of troops in the country from 5,200 to 3,000. He has also expressed his desire for other countries, particularly European nations, to take on a bigger role in stabilizing Iraq.
Jo Jorgensen
Jo Jorgensen, the Libertarian Party’s nominee for President, has taken a strong anti-war stance. She believes that the US has no business intervening in the affairs of other countries and has called for the immediate withdrawal of troops from Iraq. She also advocates for a non-interventionist foreign policy and believes in prioritizing the safety and well-being of American citizens over involvement in foreign conflicts.
Howie Hawkins
Howie Hawkins, the Green Party’s nominee for President, has a similar stance to Jorgensen on the Iraq War. He has called for the immediate and complete withdrawal of US troops from Iraq, stating that the US has no right to be involved in the country’s affairs. He also advocates for the use of diplomacy and international cooperation to address conflicts rather than military intervention.
Conclusion
The candidates’ stances on the Iraq War vary, with Biden and Trump both taking a more moderate approach while Jorgensen and Hawkins call for immediate withdrawal. As the election approaches, voters must consider each candidate’s stance on the Iraq War and their plans for addressing the ongoing conflict.
Regardless of who wins the election, it is imperative that the US works towards ending the war and stabilizing Iraq in a peaceful and sustainable manner. The impact of the Iraq War has been felt not just in Iraq but also in the US, with thousands of lives lost and billions of dollars spent. It is time for the US to focus on rebuilding and restoring relationships with international partners rather than engaging in prolonged conflicts.