# Why Did America Invade Iraq? **URL:** **By** Michael J. Mazarr, Trevor Burrus **Published:** June 10, 2022 --- A story of faithful foreign policy failure. ## SUMMARY: The Invasion of Iraq is now understood to have been a failure—but what was its intended purpose? Michael Mazarr, author of 2019’s “Leap of Faith: Hubris, Negligence, and America's Greatest Foreign Policy Tragedy,” explains how the theories of a geopolitical power grab, knowing lies, or oil extraction are all just part of a much larger story; one where those in charge saw themselves as the only hero who could save the day. ### FURTHER READING: _[Leap of Faith: Hubris, Negligence, and America's Greatest Foreign Policy Tragedy](https://www.amazon.com/Leap-Faith-Negligence-Americas-Greatest/dp/1541768361),_ by Michael Mazarr