The Iraq War's defining mistake was the faulty intelligence claiming Saddam Hussein possessed Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs). This primary justification for the 2003 invasion proved nonexistent, severely damaging U.S. global credibility. Furthermore, the lack of a viable post-war stabilization plan—highlighted by the disastrous "De-Ba'athification" policy—dismantled Iraq’s infrastructure and military. This created a power vacuum that fueled a violent insurgency, sparked years of sectarian conflict, and ultimately facilitated the rise of extremist groups like ISIS.
