 Though "The Economist" initially gave vigorous support for the US-led invasion of Iraq, it later called the operation "bungled from the start" and criticised the "almost criminal negligence" of the Bush Administration's handling of the war, while maintaining, in 2007, that pulling out in the short term would be irresponsible.In an editorial marking its 175th anniversary, "The Economist" criticised adherents to liberalism for becoming too inclined to protect the political status quo rather than pursue reform.The paper called on liberals to return to advocating for bold political, economic and social reforms