4-+War+in+the+Middle+East


 * The War in Iraq Continues**

The second term of George W. Bush's presidency began, and the public was already growing exhausted by the seemingly unproductive war in Iraq. Saddam Hussein had been captured and thwarted in 2004. Thus, the logical step would be to establish a democratic government in Iraq, and so the reconstruction began. In 2006, the Iraqi people had been left an opportunity to create for themselves a self-sustaining nation, but Bush refused to pull out as long as he remained president. On one end, many feared the United States had already been intrusive enough and that they would do well to retreat. Others noticed, however, that the Iraq war may have increased the rate of terrorist attacks against the United States, and that a retreat would simply be an act of weakness. However, it was obvious that the army could not be stationed in Iraq forever. An exit strategy was necessary. In the meantime, President Bush issued a troop surge to achieve what goals he envisioned before his presidency ended.


 * Baghdad**

Under the protection of the United States, Baghdad became somewhat a safe haven for political change. Despite the Sunni and Shiite conflict, it remained the true capital of Iraq. Security was of utmost concern; the "green zone" was the most heavily guarded area of the city.




 * Barack Obama's Exit Strategy**

The war in the Middle East was a primary issue of debate in the Election 2008, and Barack Obama's desire to pull out of Iraq was one of his reasons for victory. As the president of the United States, Barack Obama issued Operation: New Dawn, where all troops would be required to retreat from Iraq by the end of 2011. Meanwhile, forces in Afghanistan would be bolstered to combat terrorist insurgencies based on the borders.

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