Nine years ago, Australia was a full and eager partner in American plans to invade Iraq. That turned out to be a very grave strategic mistake. Now, as the last of the US occupying forces finally leave Iraq, there are lessons to be learnt from that mistake. They are worth learning, because we are in danger of making some of them again.
There is no doubt invading Iraq was a big error. It is still not clear just how big. That depends partly on what happens in Iraq itself - whether the riven, corrupt and dysfunctional government that has grown up since we invaded will grow into something better or deteriorate into something much worse. It depends partly on what happens in the Middle East, and especially whether, with the US gone, a weakened Iraq can do anything to resist and contain Iranian power and influence.
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