Iraq is not alone

Salamé explained that "that invasion probably came from an exaggerated sense of power and a feeling that there were some appropriate historical circumstances for the US to get rid of opponents," specifically Saddam Hussein.

This precedent encouraged adventurism of other major countries and the use of force was normalised. This led to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and, later, the war in Ukraine in 2023. The precedent also inspired 'medium-power' countries to do the same — and we have seen this unfolding in much of the Arab world in the past decade.

Read more: Iran's push for an empire reveals the dark reality of its ruthless ambitions

A 'superb' campaign

However, some policymakers in Washington do not share this view. Former National Security Adviser John Bolton described the military campaign as "a superb campaign" in an interview with Al Majalla.

Although there were political mistakes, such as dismantling the army and security devices and the "de-Baathification," he added that the Arab Spring would have happened even without the invasion of Iraq.

The 20th anniversary of the US invasion and fall of Saddam deserves a deep dive —  complete with analysis and field reporting — to unpack the aftermath of the war and its effect on Iraq and the region.

In our coverage, we exhume the lasting wounds of the war, speaking to Iraqis who share their hopes, aspirations and disappointments.  

Iraq is such a big story that a magazine cover alone does not do it justice. However, our latest issue of Al Majalla provides a comprehensive picture of the important subject, suggesting possible paths to rescue Iraq from the corruption and chaos that thrives within.

Limits to US military power

On his part, former US diplomat Robert Ford relates what he saw and experienced in the first days of "change" under the command of Governor Paul Bremer. He questions the limits to US military power in a country ripe with militias, interventions, and divisions. At the same time, Congress is voting to repeal the Authorization for the Use of Military Force Overseas.

In our April issue, Al Majalla warns against a possible return of the Islamic State, which sprouted from the sands of Iraqi and Syrian chaos in 2014, before its geographic defeat in March 2019. We also revisit the haunting events in Fallujah, where several American mercenaries were attacked 19 years ago, and their bodies hung from the city's bridge.

We also examine the complex relationship between the Kurds and Baghdad, take a look at the Iraqi economy in numbers, and review Iraqi and international films centred around the war.

Saddam's remains

Saddam — who was executed in 2006, three years after his regime was toppled — remains a divisive figure. In this edition, we try to locate his remains and the noose he was hanged with.

Additionally, we give readers a rare glimpse into the secret 1987 meeting between "two Baathist comrades," Saddam Hussein and Hafez al-Assad, detailed in official Syrian documents obtained by Al Majalla. We learn that Saddam Hussein refused to shake hands with al-Assad and left the meeting, leaving King Hussein of Jordan fuming.

Saudi economy and culture

Apart from the cover story, the April issue offers rich cultural articles including an interview with the great poet Adonis after his exceptional visit to Saudi Arabia, which celebrates the Year of Poetry, and Abdullah Al-Rasheed's article on the impact of Arabic literature on European poetry. It also highlights the Kingdom's economic aspirations, which are helping transform the country into a global logistics centre.

Meanwhile, Al Majalla uncovers the booming "passport business" in Arab countries amid economic collapse and, on his part, Syrian novelist Khaled Khalifa writes from Damascus on the endless queues and sorrows of the Syrian people.

Twenty years after the war, Iraq stands at a crossroads. Will it rise or fall?

Iraq is not alone in its test, and our hope is that it will rise and return to the Arab fold.

The April issue of Al Majalla is now available in print and on various digital platforms for our readers to enjoy.