The invasion of Iraq in 2003 was a pivotal moment in modern world history. It was, at the time, a hugely divisive issue with some of the largest demonstrations in human history being witnessed on the streets of London, Paris and elsewhere. The controversies surrounding the invasion have long outlived 2003 with views towards the invasion often (dis)colouring views towards subsequent events and towards post-2003 Iraq itself. One of the more persistent (and most unhelpful debates) is whether or not Iraq was better off under Saddam Hussein’s regime – a debate that is rekindled every year around this time as people remember the invasion of Iraq. In this piece, (originally published by Middle East Eye) MEI Senior Research Fellow Fanar Haddad argues that the obsessive focus on 2003 and the impossible comparisons between pre and post-2003 Iraq have served to divert attention away from more pressing issues that continue to bedevil Iraq. More importantly, fixating on comparisons between pre and post 2003 Iraq is counterproductive and denies Iraq the possibility of a better future.