Iraq War Summary

Overview

• Conflict in Iraq from 2003 to 2011.
• Two phases:
  1. Conventional war (March-April 2003)
  2. U.S.-led occupation opposed by insurgency.
• Involved the United States, United Kingdom, and Iraq, with smaller contingents from other countries.

Prelude to War

• Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990 ended with defeat in the Persian Gulf War (1990-91).
• Saddam Hussein retained power by suppressing uprisings.
• UN imposed sanctions to hinder Iraq's weapons programs.
• Iraq flouted UN weapons bans, leading to Operation Desert Fox in 1998.
• Sanctions eroded as neighbors began trading with Iraq.

Causes

• U.S. President George W. Bush cited Iraq’s alleged weapons of mass destruction and support for terrorist groups post-9/11.
• UN Security Council Resolution 1441 demanded Iraq comply with inspections.
• Iraq appeared compliant, but Bush and UK Prime Minister Tony Blair accused Iraq of hindering inspections.
• Bush declared end to diplomacy on March 17, 2003.

The 2003 Conflict

• Began March 20, 2003, with U.S. airstrikes.
• Quick invasion from Kuwait; little resistance from Iraqi military.
• U.S. faced resistance from irregulars known as Saddam’s Fedayeen.
• Baghdad taken on April 9, 2003.
• U.S. declared end to major combat on May 1, 2003.

Occupation and Continued Warfare

• U.S. troops faced continued insurgency after initial invasion.
• Violence declined by 2007.
• Gradual withdrawal of U.S. troops, completed in December 2011.

Key Figures

• George W. Bush: U.S. President who initiated the war.
• Saddam Hussein: Iraqi President ousted and captured.
• Tony Blair: UK Prime Minister who supported the war.
• Nouri al-Maliki: Iraqi Prime Minister post-Saddam.

Major Events

• First Battle of Fallujah
• Second Battle of Fallujah

Casualties

• Approximately 4,500 U.S. service members killed.
• Around 32,000 U.S. service members wounded.

Conclusion

• War officially ended in December 2011 with U.S. military withdrawal.
• Saddam Hussein was convicted and executed by 2006.

Legacy

• Controversial due to justifications and aftermath.
• Impact on U.S. foreign policy and Middle East stability.

These notes provide a comprehensive overview of the Iraq War, covering major events, participants, and outcomes. This synthesis will aid in understanding the conflict's complexities and long-term implications.