Member-only story

How the U.S. Military Lost the Battle for Hearts and Minds in Iraq

Owen Simmons

·13k Followers· Follow

Published in We Meant Well: How I Helped Lose The Battle For The Hearts And Minds Of The Iraqi People (American Empire Project)

4 min read · 1 month before

97 View Claps

10 Respond

Save

Listen

The U.S. military's failure to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people was a major factor in the failure of the Iraq War. This article examines the reasons for this failure, including the military's cultural insensitivity, its use of excessive force, and its failure to provide basic services to the Iraqi people.

Cultural Insensitivity

One of the biggest mistakes the U.S. military made in Iraq was its failure to understand Iraqi culture. The military often acted in ways that were offensive to Iraqi customs and traditions. For example, the military's use of female soldiers in combat roles was seen as a sign of disrespect for Iraqi women. The military's detention of Iraqi civilians without trial was also seen as a violation of Iraqi law and custom.

We Meant Well: How I Helped Lose the Battle for the Hearts and Minds of the Iraqi People (American Empire Project)

by Peter Van Buren

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	750 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	286 pages

Excessive Force

The U.S. military's use of excessive force in Iraq also alienated the Iraqi people. The military's use of airstrikes and artillery barrages often resulted in civilian casualties. The military's use of torture and other forms of abuse also damaged its reputation among the Iraqi people.

Failure to Provide Basic Services

The U.S. military's failure to provide basic services to the Iraqi people also contributed to its loss of support. The military was slow to restore electricity and water to Iraqi cities. The military also failed to provide adequate medical care to the Iraqi people. This failure to provide basic services made it difficult for the Iraqi people to rebuild their lives and move on from the war.

The U.S. military's failure to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people was a major factor in the failure of the Iraq War. The military's cultural insensitivity, its use of excessive force, and its failure to provide basic services all contributed to its loss of support among the Iraqi people.

The U.S. military's experience in Iraq is a cautionary tale for other countries that are considering using military force to achieve their foreign policy goals. It is important to remember that winning the hearts and minds of the local population is essential to success. Failure to do so can lead to a long and costly war.

We Meant Well: How I Helped Lose the Battle for the Hearts and Minds of the Iraqi People (American Empire Project)

by Peter Van Buren

4.6 out of 5