The Iraq 10 Year Project, serving to tell the stories that give a decade long war a “personal perspective.”
10 years ago this week the US invaded Iraq, and after a decade of war, nearly 5,000 American servicemembers have died in that conflict. According to a recent study, the Iraq War has cost $2.2 trillion and over 190,000 lives. After 10 years of war, the Truman National Security Project and Center for National Policy wanted to do something to bring a “personal perspective” to the Iraq War, so they began The Iraq 10 Year Project, which is
An initiative to record the stories, photos, experiences, and lessons learned of a generation of top-flight national security leaders. It represents the Truman/CNP community—from Veterans who served multiple tours on the battlefield, to political professionals who get strong national security candidates into office, to policy professionals who shape our defense strategy and foreign policy.
In total, more than 90 stories and photos have been gathered into one place. The writers are former battlefield commanders, Congressional candidates, clean energy advocates, foreign aid practitioners, cyber security experts, and more.
Together, they represent a rare 360-degree view of the Iraq War. The stories show us that, even if you did not serve, you could be galvanized and inspired by the war. They give names, faces and feeling to the losses that America (and the world) dealt with. The collection looks forwards—and, sometimes, at a difficult past.
As Daniel Gaynor, the Editorial Chief of the Truman National Security Project and Center for National Policy says, “Take a look at the stories. Whether you served or not, you’ll feel Iraq like never before.”
Photo: The U.S. Army/Flickr