Operation Iraqi Freedom

On March 19, 2003, the United States, along with coalition forces predominantly from the United Kingdom, launched Operation Iraqi Freedom with the intention of removing Saddam Hussein's regime and eliminating Iraq's alleged possession of weapons of mass destruction. The operation began early in the morning with an airstrike against a bunker where Saddam was believed to be hiding, followed by a ground invasion. This marked the beginning of the Iraq War, drawing global controversy and debate over its justification and long-term impact.

On April 9, 2003, the capital city of Iraq, Baghdad, fell to U.S. forces, marking a significant milestone in the Iraq War. The event gained symbolic significance when a statue of Saddam Hussein in Firdos Square was toppled, an action that was broadcast around the world. While this moment was seen by many as the end of a brutal regime, it also marked the beginning of a protracted period of insurgency and unrest in Iraq. The fall of Baghdad indicated the end of organized resistance by the Iraqi military but presaged a long and difficult occupation.

On May 1, 2003, President George W. Bush delivered his famous 'Mission Accomplished' speech aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. In this speech, he declared the end of major combat operations in Iraq, stating that 'in the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed.' This speech was later criticized due to the ensuing years of insurgency and violence that persisted in Iraq. The backdrop to his speech featured a sign reading 'Mission Accomplished,' which became controversial as it was deemed premature given the ongoing conflict.

In April 2004, the First Battle of Fallujah commenced, representing one of the first large-scale urban battles in the Iraq War. Triggered by the killing and mutilation of four Blackwater security contractors by insurgents, the battle involved intense fighting between U.S. Marines and insurgent forces in the city of Fallujah. The offensive was designed to capture or kill insurgents responsible for the attack. However, due to mounting civilian casualties and negative media portrayals, the U.S. temporarily called off the offensive, leading to a controversial withdrawal and a reputation as a fierce resistance stronghold.

The Second Battle of Fallujah, also known as Operation Phantom Fury, was fought in November 2004 and was one of the most significant battles during the Iraq War. U.S. and coalition forces launched a major offensive to retake the city from insurgent control. This battle was characterized by intense urban combat and resulted in heavy casualties on both sides. It was considered a tactical success for coalition forces, yet it raised questions about the humanitarian impact, with widespread destruction and civilian suffering. The battle was indicative of the challenges of urban warfare in Iraq.

On January 30, 2005, Iraq conducted its first parliamentary elections since the overthrow of Saddam Hussein's regime. The election was a pivotal step toward establishing a democratic governance structure in Iraq, allowing Iraqis to elect representatives to the newly formed National Assembly. Despite widespread violence and threats from insurgents, a substantial number of Iraqis participated in the elections, which were hailed as a milestone in Iraq's post-Saddam political transition. However, the elections also underscored sectarian divisions and led to increased tensions along ethnic and religious lines.

On December 30, 2006, former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was executed by hanging after being convicted of crimes against humanity by an Iraqi court. This event occurred following a trial that was marked by controversy over legal procedures, fairness, and geopolitical concerns. Saddam's execution was a pivotal moment in Iraq’s history, symbolizing the end of an era of Ba'athist rule. While many in Iraq viewed his execution as justice for his regime's brutal actions, it also exacerbated sectarian tensions, especially among Sunni and Shia populations, leading to further violence and instability in the region.

On January 10, 2007, President George W. Bush announced a new strategy for the Iraq War in a televised address, which included deploying more than 20,000 additional American troops to Iraq. This strategy, known as 'the surge,' was aimed at improving security conditions, especially in Baghdad and Al Anbar Province, and giving the Iraqi government the stability they needed to foster political reconciliation. The surge was met with mixed reactions, with some viewing it as a necessary step to stabilize Iraq, while others saw it as escalating an already protracted conflict. Over time, the surge showed some success in reducing violence.

On November 27, 2008, the Iraqi Parliament approved the US-Iraq Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), which outlined the framework for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. The agreement stipulated that U.S. combat forces would withdraw from Iraqi cities by June 30, 2009, and that all U.S. forces would be completely out of Iraq by the end of 2011. This agreement was a pivotal step toward Iraq regaining full sovereignty and was seen as a major legislative victory for both the Iraqi government and the Bush Administration. However, it faced opposition from various political factions within Iraq.

On August 31, 2010, President Barack Obama officially announced the end of the U.S. combat mission in Iraq, declaring the conclusion of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The U.S. military role began a transition to Operation New Dawn, focusing on advising, assisting, and training Iraqi forces rather than direct combat. This shift marked a substantial drawdown of troops and was intended to underscore the progress toward a fully sovereign Iraqi state. Despite this transition, challenges persisted as sectarian divisions and insurgent threats continued, and the long-term stability of Iraq remained uncertain.