This political cartoon, I feel, is a very interesting one as it states the reasons for the US invasion of Iraq. Firstly written on the piece of paper is “We want to invade Iraq because of links with Al Queda” then “We want to invade Iraq because of Weapons of Mass Destruction” and “We want to invade Iraq because Saddam Hussein’s a horrible man” and lastly “We want to invade Iraq ….”

The trigger for the 2003 invasion, as offered by US President George W. Bush, was that they suspected Iraq of possessing nuclear weapons and wanted to intervene in their development of the Weapons of Mass Destruction, also known as the WMD. However when the US troops performed a search in Iraq, they could find no evidence of nuclear weapons except for some degraded and abandoned ones which were defected. Therefore US’ claims for the invasion were all invalid, as seen from the crosses in the cartoon.

From what the cartoon showed, the US had ran out of excuses for her invasion of Iraq and up till the point where she wrote the fourth “We want to invade Iraq”, she could think of no more reason but to give the excuse that the pen ink had run dry.

I believe that the US must have an ulterior motive for this invasion. Firstly, it could be that they were eyeing on the rich oil resources in Iraq. After they occupy Iraq they would be able to tap on their rich oil fields and oil, being a high-priced resource will hence stimulate US’ economic growth. Secondly, it could be for revenge. The Al Queda led by Osama bin Laden attacked the World Trade Centre in New York City in the 911 Event, killing many American victims. Hence US might use this opportunity to seek revenge on the Iraqis.

Although the victims in the 911 event were innocent, I still feel that US was at fault for the Iraq invasion as it did not have a valid reason to invade Iraq. It feels just like a big bully tormenting on a little boy in school. Therefore I think countries should settle disputes through diplomacy rather than deterrence to avoid unnecessary casulties.

jasmine (((: