The U.S. administration and the mainstream Western media have misled the public in the lead-up to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. 🏵️🏵️

The Bush administration presented misleading and false information to justify the invasion of Iraq.
One prominent example is the claim that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).
The administration highlighted this alleged threat to garner public support for military action.
However, subsequent investigations, including the Iraq Survey Group's report, concluded that Iraq did not possess WMDs or an active WMD program at the time of the invasion.

Furthermore, have pointed out that the administration connected Iraq to the 9/11 attacks, creating the impression that Saddam Hussein's regime was involved.
However, no credible evidence supporting this connection was found.
The 9/11 Commission concluded that there were no collaborative operational links between Iraq and al-Qaeda.

Regarding Afghanistan, concerns have been raised about the justifications presented for the war. 🩸
The U.S. administration argued that the Taliban harbored and provided protection to al-Qaeda, the group responsible for 9/11.
While there was certainly a presence of al-Qaeda within Afghanistan during that time, it was argued that the link between the Taliban and 9/11 was exaggerated to justify military intervention.

In terms of media coverage, the mainstream Western media outlets failed to sufficiently question or challenge the administration's claims. 🔴

Journalists relied heavily on official government sources, without independently verifying information or providing alternative viewpoints.
This limited diversity of perspectives potentially contributed to the unquestioned acceptance of the administration's narrative.

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It is essential to note that lobbying plays a role in shaping policies, it is one of the major factors among many in the decision to initiate wars.
Numerous other factors, including geopolitical considerations, intelligence assessments, international alliances, public sentiment, and political calculations, also influence such significant decisions.

Military-Industrial Complex: Defense contractors and related interest groups have exerted influence to promote military interventions, as these conflicts presented financial opportunities for them.

Neoconservative Think Tanks: Such as the Project for the New American Century (PNAC), played a significant role in advocating for regime change in Iraq even before 9/11.
These groups, with ties to decision-makers, promoted a more hawkish foreign policy and saw military action as a means to spread democracy and secure American interests.

Pro-Israel Lobby: Such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), have exerted pressure to ensure a strong U.S. stance against perceived threats in the region, including the Saddam Hussein regime in Iraq.

Political Contributors: Lobbyists and defense contractors contributed financially to political campaigns, leading to that financial support that influenced politicians' decisions related to war.
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