Analyzing the Political and Economic Impact of US Military Missions

This report delves into the complexities of US military combat missions, examining their motivations, consequences, and strategic implications. The analysis focuses on the economic and political impacts of these missions, particularly in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. It explores the rationale behind US involvement, the challenges encountered, and the potential for future conflicts. The report also assesses the rise of China's influence in the region, particularly in light of US withdrawal from certain areas. It highlights the impact of terrorist activities, the role of economic interests, and the broader implications for global politics. The report references several sources to support its arguments and provide a comprehensive overview of the subject. It concludes with a discussion on the potential outcomes of US foreign policy decisions and the need for strategic considerations in future engagements.

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12 12 2019
United State’s Military Combat mission
Countries enter into foreign combat missions for multiple reasons. Some of these reasons
include trade and regional peace and stability. United States of America’s combat missions in
different countries can, therefore, be viewed as a way of advancing economic interests in those
countries. For Iraq, the advancement of terrorist activities by ISIS fighters would hurt its
economy, create a general feeling of insecurity for the wider populace and largely affect foreign
and domestic trade in the Middle East. The Iraq war may be attributed to the desire of the United
States to stabilize the region. It was also necessitated by the threat of terrorism posed by al-Qaida
(Amadeo 2). Similarly, the Afghanistan war was also necessitated by the United States desire to
combat terrorism as a result of the increasing threats of terrorist attacks by al-Qaida
(Amadeo,2b).
While the intention of both wars was objective, it is debatable if US efforts have been
effective concerning the initial objectives of the combat missions, it is debatable if the USA has
succeeded in its mission several years later. Considering the challenges that have been
encountered in previous combat missions, the need for involvement in Syria is quite minimal.
Some of the problems to expect in case of involvement in the war include an increase in national
debt, disruption of the economy and an increase in the number of troops killed during the war.
Besides, the lack of involvement by the US may also come at a disadvantage to the
country. Terrorist attacks and their overall impact could still spill over to US borders if nothing is

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done to counter the advancement of Syria’s Islamist Extremist groups. (Rabinovich 2)The
abandonment of the region by the US is likely to leave an opportunity for China to extend its
influence in the region. Control by china would be made possible by its Financial wherewithal as
well as its desire to establish a relationship for the future and gain access to Syria’s economy
(Pauley 3). This means that the USA position as a superpower is likely to be threatened by
China’s growing influence and penetration into Syria and eventually other Middle East countries
(Saltskog and Clarke 1)
Works cited
Amadeo, Kimberly. "The Ongoing Costs Of The Iraq War." The Balance, 2019,
https://www.thebalance.com/cost-of-iraq-war-timeline-economic-impact-3306301.

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Amadeo, Y Kimberly. "The Ongoing Costs Of The Afghanistan War." The Balance, 2019,
https://www.thebalance.com/cost-of-afghanistan-war-timeline-economic-impact-4122493.
Pauley, Logan. "Why An End To The War In Syria Gives China An Opportunity." South China
Morning Post, 2018, https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/2168482/why-end-
war-syria-gives-china-opportunity-extend-its-influence.
Rabinovich, Itamar. "The Syrian Crisis: Strategic Challenges For The United States." Hoover Institution,
2019, https://www.hoover.org/research/syrian-crisis-strategic-challenges-united-states.
Saltskog, Mollie, and Colin P Clarke. "The U.S. Withdrawal From Syria Is An Opportunity For China."
Lawfare, 2019, https://www.lawfareblog.com/us-withdrawal-syria-opportunity-china.