The Iraq War, also referred to as the Second Persian Gulf War, spanned from March 2003 to December 2011. This conflict comprised two distinct phases: an initial, conventional military engagement that commenced with an invasion by a combined force of United States and United Kingdom troops, supported by smaller contingents from various other nations. This rapid offensive succeeded in defeating Iraqi military forces almost immediately, yet it laid the groundwork for a prolonged and turbulent occupation characterized by insurgency and violence primarily directed against U.S.-led coalition forces.

Following the reduction of hostilities in 2007, the United States began to scale back its military presence, culminating in the official withdrawal of troops in December 2011. The human cost of the conflict for American military personnel was significant, with approximately 4,500 service members killed and over 32,000 wounded.

The origins of the Iraq War can be traced back to the aftermath of the 1990 invasion of Kuwait by Iraq, which resulted in its defeat during the Persian Gulf War. Under the leadership of Saddam Hussein and the Baʿath Party, Iraq managed to retain a semblance of power amid a backdrop of repression against internal uprisings by both Kurds and Shiʿi Arabs. The following decade was marked by international economic sanctions imposed by the United Nations, aimed at curbing Iraq’s weapons programs, including the development of weapons of mass destruction. Allegations arose regarding Iraq’s non-compliance with UN regulations, leading to airstrikes ordered by President Bill Clinton in 1998, which, however, did little to resolve the ongoing tensions.

In the lead-up to the Iraq War, President George W. Bush’s administration cited Iraq’s purported possession of weapons of mass destruction, along with its alleged ties to terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda, as justifications for military action. On November 8, 2002, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1441, demanding Iraq’s compliance with inspections. Despite apparent cooperation from Iraq during this period, the U.S. administration maintained that the nation continued to obstruct UN efforts and possessed forbidden weaponry. Consequently, diplomatic efforts were abandoned, and on March 17, 2003, President Bush issued an ultimatum to Saddam Hussein to vacate the country.

Following Saddam’s refusal to comply, the invasion commenced on March 20, 2003, beginning with targeted airstrikes on facilities believed to house Iraqi leadership. Initial engagements proceeded with relative ease, resulting in the capture of Baghdad within a few weeks and the collapse of Saddam’s regime by early April. Yet, as the occupation progressed, the region experienced increasing violence as various insurgent groups began to arise, leading to profound instability and conflict that would last for years.

The subsequent phase of the Iraq War involved an enduring insurgency against U.S. troops, resulting in a shift from military confrontation to counterinsurgency operations. This period saw fluctuating violence and varying degrees of resistance until a notable decline by 2007, which ultimately set the stage for the American military withdrawal.

The Iraq War remains a deeply complex and contentious chapter in contemporary history, marked by significant loss of life, geopolitical ramifications, and ongoing debates surrounding its justification and execution.

For further insights, consult reputable sources such as The Washington Institute, the United States Institute of Peace, and the Council on Foreign Relations.

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