War in Iraq

War in Iraq

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U.S. soldiers in Iraq

The War in Iraq, also known as the Iraq War, was a protracted armed conflict that began in 2003 with the invasion of Iraq by a United States-led coalition that overthrew the government of Saddam Hussein. The conflict continued for much of the next decade as an insurgency emerged to oppose the occupying forces and the post-invasion Iraqi government.

Background

The origins of the Iraq War can be traced back to the Gulf War of 1990-1991, when Iraq invaded Kuwait and was subsequently expelled by a U.S.-led coalition. Following the Gulf War, Iraq was subject to United Nations sanctions and weapons inspections. Tensions remained high throughout the 1990s, with periodic military confrontations.

In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks in 2001, the U.S. government, under President George W. Bush, shifted its focus to the "War on Terror". Iraq was accused of possessing weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and having links to terrorist organizations, including al-Qaeda. These claims were later found to be largely unfounded.

Invasion

The invasion of Iraq began on March 20, 2003, with a "shock and awe" campaign of aerial bombardment. Coalition forces quickly advanced, and by April 9, 2003, Baghdad had fallen. Saddam Hussein's regime was toppled, and he was captured in December 2003.

Occupation and Insurgency

Following the initial invasion, the coalition faced a growing insurgency. Various groups, including former Ba'athists, Sunni insurgents, and foreign jihadists, launched attacks against coalition forces and the new Iraqi government. The insurgency led to significant violence and instability.

Political Developments

In June 2004, sovereignty was formally transferred to an interim Iraqi government. Elections were held in January 2005, leading to the formation of a new government. However, sectarian violence between Sunni and Shia groups escalated, particularly after the bombing of the Al-Askari Mosque in 2006.

Withdrawal

The U.S. began withdrawing troops in 2007, with a significant reduction in forces by 2009. The formal end of the U.S. military presence was marked by the withdrawal of the last combat troops on December 18, 2011.

Aftermath

The withdrawal of U.S. forces did not end the violence in Iraq. The country continued to face challenges, including the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in 2014, which captured large territories in Iraq and Syria.

Also see

• Gulf War
• Saddam Hussein
• Weapons of mass destruction in Iraq
• Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant
• War on Terror