Abstract: This paper proposes a method for accomplishing computational situational awareness (SA). The specific case of the Iraq conflict after Saddam Hussein’s deposal is used as an example to demonstrate the computational version of a policy-maker’s SA in such a case. This computational SA is then compared to the reports of the United States Department of Defense in which a qualitative account of the actual policy-makers’ SA is given. From this comparison, it is seen that the implementation of the computing algorithms used here delivered valid results. Consequently, this study opens a new avenue of research in which computer-based calculation can aid policy-makers in making decisions on complex matters of international policy.