Iraq War

The invasion of Iraq, led by the United States and backed by a coalition of countries, commenced on March 20, 2003. The invasion was justified by the U.S. primarily on the basis of the alleged possession of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) by Iraq and ties to terrorism. These claims were later proven to be unfounded, leading to significant controversy and debate about the legitimacy of the war. The conflict led to the toppling of Saddam Hussein's regime within weeks, but it also triggered years of instability and conflict in the region.

Saddam Hussein, the former President of Iraq, was captured on December 13, 2003, in a small underground bunker near a farmhouse in ad-Dawr, near Tikrit. His capture was a significant event in the Iraq War, marking a major victory for U.S. forces. He was found after a long manhunt and was taken into custody without resistance. His capture symbolized the end of significant organized resistance from the former regime, although the insurgency continued to persist. Saddam was later tried and executed for crimes against humanity.

The First Battle of Fallujah took place in April 2004 as part of Operation Vigilant Resolve. The U.S. Marine Corps sought to capture or kill insurgents responsible for the killing and mutilation of four Blackwater USA private military contractors. The battle became a symbol of intense urban warfare. Despite substantial military operations, the attempt to pacify the city faced significant resistance from insurgents, leaving the outcome inconclusive. The battle highlighted the complexity of urban warfare and led to increased anti-American sentiment.

The Second Battle of Fallujah, codenamed Operation Phantom Fury, was a joint American, Iraqi, and British offensive in November 2004. It is considered the bloodiest battle of the Iraq War. Coalition forces aimed to eliminate the insurgent stronghold in Fallujah. The battle lasted over a month, resulting in significant casualties and destruction. It ultimately succeeded in capturing the city but also fueled further insurgency and civilian unrest. The operation faced criticism due to its high human cost and the humanitarian conditions that followed.

On January 30, 2005, Iraq held its first elections since the fall of Saddam Hussein. Voter turnout was high despite the threat of insurgent attacks. The elections were a significant step in rebuilding Iraq's political system, and they led to the creation of a transitional government tasked with drafting a new constitution. The success of the elections marked an important milestone in Iraq's path toward democracy, although ongoing violence and sectarian tensions posed persistent challenges to stability.

The bombing of the Al-Askari Mosque in Samarra, a holy site for Shia Muslims, occurred on February 22, 2006. The attack sparked a wave of sectarian violence, significantly escalating tensions between Sunni and Shia communities in Iraq. The mosque's destruction fueled years of civil strife, resulting in a high number of civilian casualties and deepening the national divide. This event marked one of the darkest periods of sectarian conflict, challenging efforts to stabilize and rebuild Iraq.

On January 10, 2007, U.S. President George W. Bush announced a new strategy for Iraq, commonly known as 'The Surge.' The plan involved deploying additional U.S. military troops to help control the insurgency and stabilize the country. The surge aimed to provide security and foster political reconciliation to reduce violence. While it led to a temporary reduction in violence, critics argued that it was only a short-term fix and failed to address underlying political issues, leaving Iraq's future uncertain.

The United States and Iraq signed the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) on November 27, 2008. The agreement set a deadline for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq by the end of 2011 and stipulated the terms under which U.S. forces could operate in the country. It marked a significant step toward restoring Iraq's full sovereignty and transferring security responsibilities to Iraqi control. Although contested by some factions, it was a key diplomatic achievement in the post-invasion period.

On December 15, 2010, the U.S. formally declared an end to Operation Iraqi Freedom, marking a symbolic conclusion to the military intervention begun in 2003. President Barack Obama announced the cessation of combat operations and the transition to Operation New Dawn, focusing on advising and supporting Iraqi security forces. This event was part of a broader effort to wind down U.S. military involvement in Iraq, but it also highlighted ongoing challenges, including violence and political instability in the region.

The withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq was completed on December 18, 2011, effectively ending the U.S. military's eight-year presence in the country. This fulfilled the terms of the 2008 Status of Forces Agreement and was a major milestone in U.S.-Iraq relations. The withdrawal marked the beginning of a new chapter for Iraq, tasked with maintaining its own security and political stability. However, the absence of U.S. forces revealed ongoing challenges, including sectarian violence and the rise of extremist groups.