Iraqi Nationalism

Ensuing talk over the remaining U.S. military presence in Iraq has resulted in a surge of Iraqi nationalism, and a strong push against sustained US occupation. The country has not had a significant breakdown in security since our last combat troops left, and many Iraqi's feel they no longer need the U.S. Whether or not we will leave is uncertain, for Iraq provides a strategic spot among two U.S. "hot" countries, Iran and Syria. As the years continue on, this appears to have been one of the main incentives for the U.S. administration at the time, however oil none the less was not out of the picture. Significant talks of western oil contracts (especially BP) were heavily discussed before the invasion, and was a strong incentive for Tony Blair to become involved.


Greg Voegtle

http://www.globalpolicy.org/component/content/article/168-general/50111-iraqs-own-arab-spring.html