Iraq War

Quick Facts: Who was Iraq War?

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Iraq War

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A protracted armed conflict in Iraq from 2003 to 2011, leading to regime change and insurgency.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Iraq War (Arabic: حرب العراق, romanized: ḥarb al-ʿirāq), also referred to as the Second Gulf War (Gulf War II), was a protracted armed conflict in Iraq from 2003 to 2011. It began in March 2003 with the invasion by a United States–led coalition, which resulted in the overthrow of the Ba'athist government of Saddam Hussein. During the US occupation of Iraq, the conflict persisted as an insurgency that arose against coalition forces and the newly established Iraqi government. US forces were officially withdrawn in 2011. In 2014, the US became re-engaged in Iraq, leading a new coalition under Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, as the conflict evolved into the ongoing Islamic State insurgency.

Career & Major Achievements

The Iraq invasion was part of the Bush administration's broader war on terror, launched in response to the September 11 attacks. In October 2002, the US Congress passed a bipartisan resolution granting Bush authority to use military force against Iraq. The war began on March 20, 2003, when the US, joined by the UK, Australia, and Poland, initiated a "shock and awe" bombing campaign. Coalition forces launched a ground invasion, defeating Iraqi forces and toppling the Ba'athist regime. Saddam Hussein was captured in 2003 and executed in 2006.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The fall of Saddam's regime created a power vacuum, which, along with the Coalition Provisional Authority's mismanagement, fueled a sectarian civil war between Iraq's Shia majority and Sunni minority, and contributed to a lengthy insurgency. In response, the US deployed an additional 170,000 troops during the 2007 troop surge, which helped stabilize parts of the country. In 2008, Bush agreed to withdraw US combat troops, a process completed in 2011 under President Barack Obama. Among the international law justifications advanced by the United States for the Iraq War were the inherent right of anticipatory self-defense and prior authorization by the Security Council. The primary rationale for the invasion centered around false claims that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and that Saddam Hussein was supporting al-Qaeda.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2002: 2002 Milestone — In October 2002, the US Congress passed a bipartisan resolution granting Bush authority to use military force against Iraq.
2. 2003: 2003 Milestone — The Iraq War (Arabic: حرب العراق, romanized: ḥarb al-ʿirāq), also referred to as the Second Gulf War (Gulf War II), was a protracted armed conflict in Iraq from 2003 to 2011.
3. 2007: 2007 Milestone — In response, the US deployed an additional 170,000 troops during the 2007 troop surge, which helped stabilize parts of the country.
4. 2008: 2008 Milestone — In 2008, Bush agreed to withdraw US combat troops, a process completed in 2011 under President Barack Obama.
5. 2011: 2011 Milestone — US forces were officially withdrawn in 2011.
6. 2014: 2014 Milestone — In 2014, the US became re-engaged in Iraq, leading a new coalition under Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve, as the conflict evolved into the ongoing Islamic State insurgency.

Notable Quotes by Iraq War

“The primary rationale for the invasion centered around false claims that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).”

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Iraq War

True or False: “The initial justification for the war was based on concrete evidence linking Saddam Hussein to al-Qaeda.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The 9/11 Commission concluded that there was no credible evidence linking Saddam to al-Qaeda, and no WMD stockpiles were found in Iraq.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• Al Davis — Historical peer (Died in 2011) (2011): Pioneering NFL executive and coach, known for building the legendary Oakland Raiders.
• Alan Rubin — Historical peer (Died in 2011) (2011): American musician known for playing trumpet, flugelhorn, and piccolo trumpet.
• 2014 League of Legends World Championship — Historical peer (Born in 2014) (2014): The 4th League of Legends World Championship, held in Asia in 2014.
• Adolfo Suárez — Historical peer (Died in 2014) (2014): Key architect of Spain's transition to democracy, serving as Prime Minister 1976-1981.
• Abba Eban — Historical peer (Died in 2002) (2002): Israeli diplomat, politician, and scholar of Arabic and Hebrew languages.
• Adolph Green — Historical peer (Died in 2002) (2002): American lyricist and playwright known for his long-running, witty partnership with Betty Comden.
• Aaron Spelling — Historical peer (Died in 2006) (2006): Pioneering American producer of hit TV series like Dynasty and Beverly Hills, 90210.
• Abu Musab al-Zarqawi — Historical peer (Died in 2006) (2006): Jordanian jihadist militant known for orchestrating violence in Iraq (1966–2006)

Frequently Asked Questions about Iraq War