Why did Bush go to war in Iraq? | Iraq | Al Jazeera
▻https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/bush-war-iraq-190318150236739.html
My investigation into the causes of the war finds that it had little to do with fear of WMDs - or other purported goals, such as a desire to “spread democracy” or satisfy the oil or Israel lobbies. Rather, the Bush administration invaded Iraq for its demonstration effect.
A quick and decisive victory in the heart of the Arab world would send a message to all countries, especially to recalcitrant regimes such as Syria, Libya, Iran, or North Korea, that American hegemony was here to stay. Put simply, the Iraq war was motivated by a desire to (re)establish American standing as the world’s leading power.