There was no such thing as al-Qaida in Iraq until George Bush and John McCain decided to invade Iraq.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Obama suggests the specific organization al-Qaida in Iraq emerged as a result of the U.S. invasion decision.
- In plain terms
- The invasion created the conditions for al-Qaida to form in Iraq.
- What can you take from it?
- Foreign policy decisions can directly create new security threats.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do unintended consequences shape geopolitical outcomes?
- What defines the origin of a terrorist group?
Another view
Attributing the group's existence solely to the invasion ignores pre-existing regional tensions.
More from Barack Obama
Change. Hope. Freedom. Family. The future. Prosperity. Together. Truth. Committment. Peace. America.
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