History How will George W. Bush figure in world history?

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President George W. Bush's legacy is a subject of debate, with many predicting he will be viewed unfavorably in historical assessments. His presidency is likely to be remembered for its handling of the 9/11 attacks and the subsequent War on Terror, which some argue marked a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy. While his speeches post-9/11 were noted for their eloquence, his administration's economic policies and decisions, particularly the Iraq War, are expected to overshadow these moments. Critics argue that his actions led to a decline in American credibility globally and that he failed to effectively manage the situation in Afghanistan, choosing instead to focus on Iraq. The long-term judgment of his presidency may depend on future revelations from classified documents and the evolving perspectives of historians. Overall, Bush is anticipated to be rated low among U.S. presidents, with some comparisons to historically less favorable leaders.
  • #31
World history?
A Texas cow-boy with bad friends. But we have to wait 50 years before the classified files will be opened. That will show how much damage he caused 'inside' USA, and will show the dirty games he played outside USA in the name of national security and national interest.
 
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  • #32
I think you can't really tell how history will treat people until anyone with a personal stake in that person's reputation is dead. As far as presidents go, I think Eisenhauer is a historical figure, but JFK is still a political one.

I think Bush will be remembered. For better or worse, he will be tied to 9/11. While the Iraq war will fade into the pack of other little wars we've had (who remembers the 1935 invasion of Nicaragua?) 9/11 will always be significant.

Njorl
 
  • #33
He will be rated as one of the best; 5-12.
 
  • #34
Strategically, I think he did his best to save face in the circumstances of adversity.
You;re probably right that it was a strategic move, meant to deflect media attention away from failures in Afghanistan and the US economy, but the conventional wisdom is that he had it planned from the beginning, invading Iraq. The "neocons" like VVolfowitz seem to be the ones in true control of foreign policy, projecting candy-land possibilities to the suggestive president.
The problem is that you're going from the frying pan into the fire, from one failed plan to another.
 
  • #35
How will George W. Bush figure in world history? A bush figure.
 

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