New American Century
Relief map representing Iraq and the wider Middle East

Regional · 2002

Iraq & the Middle East

A chronological index of 2002 memoranda, commentary, testimony and letters concerning Iraq, regional security, diplomacy and the public debate preceding the Iraq War.

context

Reading a consequential policy debate

This index preserves records from a period of intense argument over Iraq, terrorism, military intervention, regional governments and Israeli–Palestinian diplomacy.

Titles, dates and publication details identify historical items. They reflect the framing of their time and may include claims later disputed or reassessed. Inclusion documents the debate and does not imply endorsement.

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Subject collection

Iraq

Arguments about alleged terrorist links, preventive action, congressional politics and post-conflict planning.

  1. Iraq–al-Qaeda Connection

    Memorandum examining an alleged relationship between Iraq and al-Qaeda.

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  2. The UN Trap?

    Commentary on United Nations diplomacy and Iraq policy.

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  3. War on Iraq

    Memorandum on the domestic policy debate over military action.

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  4. A Necessary War

    Policy commentary presenting a case for war with Iraq.

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  5. From Truth to Deception

    Commentary on public arguments and political messaging about Iraq.

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  6. Lieberman's Speech on the War on Iraq

    Summary and assessment of a Senate speech concerning Iraq.

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  7. Democrats for Regime Change

    Memorandum on Democratic support for changing Iraq's government.

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  8. Vice President Cheney's Speech on Preemptive Military Action Against Iraq

    Review of an administration address advocating preventive action.

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  9. Iraq and the War on Terror

    Memorandum connecting Iraq policy with the broader counterterrorism campaign.

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  10. The Axis of Appeasement

    Commentary criticizing opposition to military action against Iraq.

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  11. Iraq–al-Qaeda Connection

    Earlier memorandum reviewing allegations of cooperation.

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  12. Baghdad Is Not Mogadishu

    Commentary comparing anticipated operations in Iraq with an earlier intervention.

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  13. Iraq

    Memorandum outlining the policy case concerning Iraq.

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  14. Iraq: The Day After

    Commentary considering governance and security after intervention.

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Subject collection

Middle East

Records addressing political reform, Iran, Saudi Arabia, diplomacy and the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.

  1. Democracy in the Muslim World

    Memorandum on political reform and American regional policy.

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  2. Regime Change in Iran?

    Commentary considering political change and policy toward Iran.

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  3. President's Speech on the Middle East

    Memorandum assessing a presidential address on regional diplomacy.

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  4. Going Wobbly

    Commentary criticizing hesitation in the administration's regional policy.

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  5. Saudi Arabia

    Congressional testimony on relations with Saudi Arabia and regional security.

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  6. UN Fact-Finding Mission

    Memorandum on a proposed United Nations inquiry.

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  7. Saudi Arabia

    Memorandum examining American policy toward Saudi Arabia.

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  8. Can NATO Patrol Palestine?

    Commentary on a possible alliance role in regional peacekeeping.

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  9. White House Waives Sanctions on Arafat

    Memorandum on an administration decision concerning Palestinian leadership.

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  10. Secretary Powell's Meeting with Arafat

    Memorandum assessing a diplomatic meeting.

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  11. Powell, Fleischer & “Senior White House Aides”

    Memorandum on administration messaging and regional diplomacy.

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  12. Middle East

    Memorandum addressing the administration's regional response.

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  13. Secretary Powell's Middle East Trip

    Assessment of a planned diplomatic mission.

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  14. Remember the Bush Doctrine

    Commentary applying the administration's security doctrine to the region.

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  15. Letter to President Bush on Israel, Arafat and the War on Terrorism

    Public letter urging a particular course in regional policy.

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  16. Arafat

    Memorandum discussing Palestinian leadership and American policy.

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  17. War on Terrorism

    Senate testimony addressing long-term counterterrorism policy.

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  18. Commit for the Long Run

    Commentary advocating sustained international engagement.

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