There is a question that makes people scratch their heads, which is frequently mentioned in major military forums and after-dinner chats: After the end of the Iraq war, will Iraq be regarded as a lost country?
This may seem like a simple yes or no question, but in reality, the answer is much more complicated than you might think.
In the end, it will dawn on you that in this ever-changing modern society, the word "dead country" seems to have become obscure and become an elusive false proposition.
1. "Lost Country" from a Traditional Perspective
Let's look at this from a traditional perspective.
During the Iraq War, the U.S. military took the entire territory of Iraq in one fell swoop, and captured the then Iraqi President Saddam Hussein alive.
From this point of view, has Iraq not suffered the catastrophe of national destruction?
But don't worry, the story isn't over yet.
2. The Complex Interpretation of Modern Politics
Subsequently, the US troops did not stay long, and after completing their "mission", they withdrew from Iraq.
Today, when you open the world map, Iraq's borders are still clearly visible, and the country is still standing.
So, can we say that Iraq is dead? Obviously not.
3. The subtle difference between "state" and "regime".
This brings us to the subtle differences between state and government in a modern society.
You can think of the state as a large community, and the government is the business council that runs the community.
The business council may be dissolved or changed for various reasons, but this does not mean that the entire community (country) is gone.
After the Iraq War, Saddam's regime was gone, but Iraq was still the country, the people, the land, and the culture were still there.
4. Modern Interpretations of the Lost Nation
In this era of globalization and information, the "death of the country" is no longer simply the occupation of land and the enslavement of the people.
It is more reflected in the change of political power, the survival of culture and the stability of society.
From this point of view, Iraq is not a dead country, it has only undergone a profound regime change and social change.
So, the next time you talk about the Iraq War, don't use the word "lost country" easily.
In modern society, the complex relationship between the state and the state is far richer and more varied than we imagined.