Iraq's Occupation (2003-2011) from Theories of International Relations Point of View: Objective Rationalism versus Feminist Humanism

Following the U.S.-led coalition military attack against Iraq in 2003, a series of violence, ethnic-religious clashes and terrorist actions have taken place in this country. This article tries to study the consequences of Iraq's war using theories of realism and feminism. It aims to find how these theories explain the consequences of Iraq's occupation and which one can give a better explanation in this regard. The authors after studying vies related to both theories, concluded that realistic approach enjoys a higher explanatory power in areas such as "rationalism" (benefit and cost), "regional balance of power" after occupation and "the U.S. power and interests" in Iraq's war. Also, feminism relying upon its own "ontology" and "methodology" centers on the role of individuals and ethnic-religious groups as well as subjects like "gender" and " mortality". Therefore, it can explain those consequences of Iraq's war which have been neglected by realists.