Web Drop-In #4

 

 

Introduction: The U.S.A., in this past year, has invaded Iraq and worked to remove the dictatorship that existed there under Saddam Hussein.  However, the decision to go forth and invade Iraq was fraught with controversy for President Bush.  Many around the world, including many within America, didn’t feel that there was justification for attacking Iraq.  This debate continues today despite the U.S.’s presence in Iraq as apparent victors over Hussein’s regime.

 

Information/Problem:

Since the war on Iraq, called Operation: Iraqi Freedom, has begun, President Bush and his allies have had to wage a constant struggle against those who feel that the reasons for invasion were not justified.  There are many who have spoken out against the decision to use force instead of diplomacy in order to solve the problems in Iraq.  The question still remains in many people’s minds: Should or shouldn’t we have invaded Iraq?

 

Activity:

Now, it is up to you to try and decide if the reasons for invading Iraq were justified or not.  Below are links to two sites that present opposing viewpoints on the case for war in Iraq.  The first site discusses President Bush’s reasons for invading and the second site looks at a member of the U.S. Libertarian Party’s reasons not to invade Iraq.  So, before you go to answer the questions below, read both articles.

 

The White House’s case:  http://www.cnn.com/2002/US/09/12/iraq.report/index.html

 

The Libertarian Party’s case:  http://www.lp.org/lpnews/0303/Iraq.html

 

Questions:

 

  1. What are the reasons given for invading Iraq?
  2. What are the reasons for not invading Iraq?
  3. Who do you think makes the stronger case?
  4. Who do you think presents the best evidence for their point of view?
  5. After reading the articles, do you believe the U.S. should have invaded Iraq or not?  Why or why not?  Defend your answer.