Iraq 20 years later: The war’s legacy for Iraq, the Middle East, US policy, and beyond

The year 2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq and the overthrow of Saddam Hussein. The complex and controversial nearly nine-year military operation resulted in a devastating death toll, the destabilization of the country and the region, and a power vacuum that enabled the rise of the Islamic State. Two decades later, the broad and ongoing consequences of the war on civil society in Iraq, Iranian influence in the country, U.S. defense and strategic objectives, and U.S. congressional policymaking and public consciousness merit critical discussion and reflection.

On March 17, join the Strobe Talbott Center for Security, Strategy, and Technology and the Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings to consider the war’s legacy and lessons. Online viewers can submit questions by emailing [email protected] or on Twitter @BrookingsFP using #Iraq2023.

Brookings requires all staff and visitors to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 via vaccines approved by the FDA or WHO. After submitting your registration, please proceed to the provided link on the confirmation page to complete the registration process by verifying your vaccination information.