Lessons Forgotten: Comparing the Occupation of Germany with Iraq

摘要

The allied occupation of Germany following World War II was a success in transforming that nation from a devastated dictatorship into a productive democratic nation. The United States forgot the lessons of how to occupy a nation between the end of World War II and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. During this period, the US has either failed to perform occupations well or denied the necessity of an occupation. This 'occupational denial' has resulted in the failure to acknowledge, and subsequently plan for the occupational necessities thus becoming obstacles to achieving success. Examples of failure to plan and execute include Panama and Somalia. The failure to apply the lessons learned from the World War II occupation of Germany directly resulted in the explosion of sectarian violence and the insurgency in Iraq. This paper will show: the successful occupational structure and procedures learned from its experience with Germany; the shortcomings of the occupation in Iraq; and the necessity of these lessons in planning and executing future occupations.