Today, Explained Mission accomplished?
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Apr 7, 2026 
Dexter Filkins, a New Yorker staff writer and veteran war correspondent, revisits how Iraq’s early “victory” unraveled fast. He gets into post-9/11 fear, shaky intelligence, and why toppling a regime is easier than building order. He also explores eerie parallels with Iran, from muddled goals to the risk of a conflict that refuses to end.
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Why The Closed Strait Feels Like Iraq Again
- Dexter Filkins says early Iran-war comparisons to Iraq hinge less on rhetoric than on strategic traps created after opening moves.
- He points to the closed Strait of Hormuz and says America may struggle to leave until shipping resumes, echoing Baghdad-style entanglement.
How 9 11 Fear Pulled America Into Iraq
- Bush pushed Iraq after 9/11 trauma fused Saddam's past weapons programs with fear of another catastrophic attack.
- Filkins says Iraq was never connected to 9/11, but lingering suspicion about hidden nuclear, biological, or chemical programs drove support.
Thin Intelligence And Missing Authorization
- Filkins argues the Iraq case relied on thin intelligence shaped by White House pressure rather than solid proof of active WMD programs.
- He contrasts that with process too: Bush got congressional authorization, while Trump launched the Iran war without asking Congress.
