The Architects of War: Where Are They Now?

Think Progress presents a then-and-now credit roll of the major architects of the Iraq war.

Stunning part: Most of the people responsible for the debacle have been promoted or given medals.

Think Progress:

President Bush has not fired any of the architects of the Iraq war. In fact, a review of the key planners of the conflict reveals that they have been rewarded - not blamed - for their incompetence.

Role In Going To War: Wolfowitz said the U.S. would be greeted as liberators, that Iraqi oil money for pay for the reconstruction, and that Gen. Eric Shinseki’s estimate that several hundred thousand troops would be needed was “wildly off the mark.” [Washington Post, 12/8/05]

Where He Is Now: Bush promoted Wolfowitz to head the World Bank in March 2005. [Washington Post, 3/17/05]

Key Quote: “We are dealing with a country that can really finance its own reconstruction and relatively soon.” [Wolfowitz, 3/27/03]

Link

Illustration: Blair Golson

Condoleezza Rice as a student at the University of Denver in the early 1970s (left) and, now, as secretary of state.