There are four characteristics of successful strategies: 1. Clear, consistent, l

Question

There are four characteristics of successful strategies: 1. Clear, consistent, long-term objectives 2. Profound understanding of the environment 3. Objective appraisal of resources 4. Effective Implementation

Assess the US strategy towards Iraq during 2003–2008 and draw analogies and differences to the war in Afghanistan. Be specific with respect to each of the 4 characteristics above. Keep in mind the original reasons we entered into conflict in Iraq was to find weapons of mass destruction and in Afghanistan, to quell the spread of radical terrorism. Comprehensive strategic decisions were made based on those reasons. Keep that in mind when formulating your response.

Explanation / Answer

There are four characteristics that make a strategy to be successful. These characteristics are given below:

The strategy adopted by US in order to enter Iraq was not clear. They were not sure as to what the aim of the army would be in Iraq. The entrance of US was primarily on the basis of destruction of weapons of mass destruction but eventually no weapon of mass destruction was found in the country.

Thus, US have to withdraw its army after eight long years of battle with Iraqi insurgents. The objective of destruction of weapons of mass destruction was not achieved. The country as well as the rest of the world also suffered due to needless war as billions of dollars was lost in it. The world also saw a great recession as economies of various countries saw negative growth.

There was no clear, consistent and long-term planning from US which resulted in loss of prestigious money in the war.

The entry of US army in Afghanistan was to suppress the terrorist network that was working in the country. The entry of US army in the country was primarily to put an end on the terrorist activities which resulted in 9/11.

The strategy adopted by US in order to enter the country was a reasonable strategy as every effort was made to put an end on the terrorist activities of terror network operating from thereon.

The long-term plan of the US in Afghanistan was a well thought out plan as US was able to end operation of terrorist considerable in the country and bring democracy in the country and put an end to the autocratic going in on there.

The US army was also not too much familiar with the conditions of Iraq. Iraq is a country where large swathes of land are covered with desert. The US army was not familiar with such types of terrain and this resulted in loss to them. There was large number of deployment of soldiers in the country, which resulted in fatalities.

On the other hand in Afghanistan, the strikes were made by using neighboring countries air bases. This allowed US to minimize casualties as very limited numbers of soldiers were allowed to operate on foot in the country.

Thus, in all implementation of strategy in Afghanistan was successful as there were less casualties and the end-result of eliminating terrorist group in the country and restoring democracy in the country was achieved to a large extent.

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