international security studies

A rare photograph taken in 2003 shows a U.S. soldier from the 173rd Airborne Brigade standing beside stacks of gold bars recovered during the early stages of the Iraq War — a moment that quietly reflects the economic and political collapse unfolding at the time. As Saddam Hussein’s government rapidly disintegrated, northern Iraq entered a period of chaos marked by looting, … [Read more...] about Rare 2003 Photograph Reveals U.S. Soldier Guarding Gold Bars Recovered in Iraq