In March 2003, then U.S. President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair bypassed the U.N. Security Council and conducted a war against Iraq on the false pretense of Iraq possessing weapons of mass destruction. On the 10th anniversary of Iraq’s illegal and illegitimate invasion by U.S. and British forces, there are many lessons to learn from.

One is that investigations of claims should be more precise, and evidence that led up to the attack should be more credible and proven. Otherwise, it emboldens those who seek to undermine international law and peace provides more opportunities for them to prevail in their efforts. 

Another lesson is that while the removal of a ruthless dictatorship was perceived as a positive result, we now realize that the ”democratic alternative” is replete with flaws and incubating the potential for greatly worrisome, sectarian wars. The evidence of this possibility is growing and it has become crucial for the Arabs in general and the international community in particular to seek to preempt any of these dangerous consequences. As we are witnessing today a growing level of widespread breakdowns of vulnerable societies, it is imperative that mechanisms of preventive diplomacy and early warning systems should be enhanced to avoid adventures of the sort that took place in Iraq 10 years ago. 

The Arab region at this moment is in a state of ferment and is seeking a clear and coherent sense of direction, as we are witnessing in Iraq and in other societies in the region.