Occupation of Iraq (2003–2011)

Quick Facts: Who was Occupation of Iraq (2003–2011)?

Subject:

Occupation of Iraq (2003–2011)

Known for:

The period of foreign military control and subsequent rebuilding efforts in Iraq (2003–2011).

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The occupation of Iraq began on 20 March 2003, when the United States invaded with a military coalition to overthrow Iraqi president Saddam Hussein and his Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party, and continued until 18 December 2011, when the final batch of American troops left the country. While the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia were the largest contributors to the coalition, 29 other countries, such as Japan, were involved in the Iraq War in a lesser capacity. Additionally, several private military contractors took part in enforcing the occupation. It was a period of violence and political turmoil, and saw strong foreign influence exerted on Iraqi politics. In April 2003, the fall of Saddam's government was formally marked by the establishment of the Coalition Provisional Authority, which later appointed and granted limited powers to the Iraq Interim Governing Council.

Career & Major Achievements

In June 2004, the Iraqi Interim Government was established, ending the international armed conflict that had existed between Iraq (that is, Ba'athist Iraq) and the United States. Following the January 2005 Iraqi parliamentary election, this administration was replaced by the Iraqi Transitional Government. A year later, the Al Maliki I Government took office. Efforts to rebuild post-Saddam Iraq were slowed when the American-led military coalition and the new Iraqi government became locked in a grueling conflict with a stronger-than-expected militant Iraqi insurgency, leading to difficult living conditions for the country's population throughout the period. American troops returned in June 2014 at the invitation of the Iraqi government for a multi-year campaign against the Islamic State (ISIL).

Enduring Legacy & Impact

A military occupation was established and run by the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), which later appointed and granted limited powers to an Iraq Interim Governing Council. Troops for the invasion came primarily from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, but 29 other nations also provided some troops, and there were varying levels of assistance from Japan and other allied countries. Tens of thousands of private security personnel provided protection of infrastructure, facilities and personnel. Coalition and allied Iraqi forces fought a stronger-than-expected militant Iraqi insurgency, and so the reconstruction of Iraq was slow. In mid-2004, the direct rule of the CPA was ended and a new "sovereign and independent" Interim Government of Iraq assumed the full responsibility and authority of the state.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 2003: 2003 Milestone — The occupation of Iraq began on 20 March 2003, when the United States invaded with a military coalition to overthrow Iraqi president Saddam Hussein and his Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party, and continued until 18 December 2011, when the final batch of American troops left the country.
2. 2004: 2004 Milestone — In June 2004, the Iraqi Interim Government was established, ending the international armed conflict that had existed between Iraq (that is, Ba'athist Iraq) and the United States.
3. 2005: 2005 Milestone — Following the January 2005 Iraqi parliamentary election, this administration was replaced by the Iraqi Transitional Government.
4. 2014: 2014 Milestone — American troops returned in June 2014 at the invitation of the Iraqi government for a multi-year campaign against the Islamic State (ISIL).

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Occupation of Iraq (2003–2011)

True or False: “The initial invasion of Iraq, which began the occupation period, was legally classified under international humanitarian law as a non-international armed conflict (NIAC).”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Hostilities during the initial invasion and occupation were considered an International Armed Conflict (IAC) due to the involvement of multiple states.

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