Iraq War
The Iraq War, which commenced on March 20, 2003, represents a significant conflict involving two main phases: the initial invasion and the subsequent occupation of Iraq. Led by the United States, with pivotal support from United Kingdom, Australia, and Poland, the conflict sought to overthrow the regime of Saddam Hussein under the pretext of dismantling alleged weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
Causes of the Iraq War
A pivotal justification for the war was the belief that Iraq possessed WMD, a claim that was never substantiated by concrete evidence. This belief was compounded by Iraq's non-compliance with United Nations resolutions and the United States' post-9/11 security strategy, which prioritized the elimination of perceived threats from nations potentially harboring terrorists. In January 2003, a CBS poll indicated that 64% of Americans approved military action against Iraq, yet 63% preferred a diplomatic solution. Moreover, 62% feared an increase in terrorism as a result of the war.
Invasion and Combat Operations
The invasion began with "shock and awe" tactics aimed at rapidly dismantling Iraq's military capabilities. Major combat operations unfolded swiftly over 26 days, culminating in the capture of Baghdad on April 9, 2003, after the Battle of Baghdad. On May 1, 2003, then U.S. President George W. Bush declared the end of major combat operations, marking the completion of the war's initial phase.
Key Figures
The Iraq War involved numerous significant figures from both the coalition and Iraqi leadership. Notable among them were President George W. Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who were staunch proponents of the invasion. On the Iraqi side, Saddam Hussein's leadership came under intense scrutiny, ultimately leading to his capture and subsequent execution.
Consequences of the Iraq War
The Iraq War had extensive and multifaceted consequences. It led to the deaths of more than 4,400 U.S. troops and an estimated 300,000 Iraqis. The occupation phase engendered a near-decade of civil conflict, paving the way for political instability and the rise of insurgent groups like the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Furthermore, the war significantly altered the geopolitical landscape, enhancing Iran's influence in the region. Domestically, within the U.S., the war has influenced public opinion towards foreign interventions and led to widespread skepticism about intelligence credibility.