Operation Iraqi Freedom

Operation Iraqi Freedom
source
Conflict	Operation Iraqi Freedom
Part of	War on Terror
Date	March 20, 2003 – December 18, 2011
Place	Iraq
Result	Overthrow of Saddam Hussein, Iraq War
Combatant1	United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Poland, Iraqi National Congress
Combatant2	Iraq, Fedayeen Saddam, Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party – Iraq Region

Operation Iraqi Freedom was a major military conflict launched by the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Poland against Iraq and its ruler, Saddam Hussein, in 2003. The invasion was authorized by the United States Congress and supported by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the United Nations Security Council. The conflict involved key figures such as George W. Bush, Tony Blair, Donald Rumsfeld, and Colin Powell, who played crucial roles in the planning and execution of the war. The operation was closely tied to the War on Terror, which was launched in response to the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Background

The background to the conflict involved a complex web of international relations, including the Gulf War and the subsequent Iraqi no-fly zones. The United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) was established to monitor Iraq's compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 687, which required the destruction of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) program. However, Iraq's lack of cooperation with UNSCOM and its alleged possession of WMDs led to increased tensions with the United States and its allies, including the United Kingdom and Australia. Key figures such as Hans Blix, the head of the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC), and Mohamed ElBaradei, the director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, played important roles in the lead-up to the conflict. The CIA and the MI6 also provided critical intelligence on Iraq's WMD program, which was later disputed by the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and the Butler Review.

Planning and Preparation

The planning and preparation for the invasion involved a large-scale mobilization of troops and equipment, including the United States Army, the United States Marine Corps, the Royal Air Force, and the Royal Navy. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) provided critical intelligence on Iraq's military capabilities and Saddam Hussein's regime. The Pentagon and the Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom) coordinated the military planning, which involved key figures such as General Tommy Franks, General Richard Myers, and Admiral Michael Boyce. The United States Congress authorized the use of military force against Iraq through the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002, which was supported by the Senate Armed Services Committee and the House Armed Services Committee. The United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 also played a critical role in the lead-up to the conflict, as it called for Iraq to comply with its disarmament obligations.

Invasion

The invasion of Iraq began on March 20, 2003, with a coalition of forces from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Poland. The initial stages of the invasion involved a series of airstrikes against key targets, including the Republican Guard and the Iraqi Air Force. The United States Army and the United States Marine Corps led the ground invasion, with support from the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy. Key battles during the invasion included the Battle of Umm Qasr, the Battle of Nasiriyah, and the Battle of Baghdad. The Fall of Baghdad on April 9, 2003, marked a significant turning point in the conflict, as it led to the collapse of Saddam Hussein's regime. The 1st Marine Division, the 3rd Infantry Division, and the 101st Airborne Division played critical roles in the invasion, as did the British Army's 1st Armoured Division and the Australian Special Air Service Regiment.

Occupation and Insurgency

The occupation of Iraq following the invasion was marked by a growing insurgency, which involved a range of groups, including the Mahdi Army, the Islamic State of Iraq, and Al-Qaeda in Iraq. The Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA), led by L. Paul Bremer, was established to govern Iraq during the occupation. However, the CPA faced significant challenges, including the Iraqi insurgency, the Sectarian violence in Iraq, and the 2003 Iraq war troop surge. Key figures such as General David Petraeus, General Raymond Odierno, and Ambassador Ryan Crocker played important roles in the occupation, as did the United States Department of State and the United States Agency for International Development. The Iraqi Army and the Iraqi Police were also established during this period, with support from the United States and its allies.

Withdrawal and Aftermath

The withdrawal of coalition forces from Iraq began in 2009, with the United States and its allies transferring responsibility for security to the Iraqi Army and the Iraqi Police. The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the United States and Iraq provided a framework for the withdrawal, which was completed on December 18, 2011. The aftermath of the conflict has been marked by ongoing instability in Iraq, including the Iraqi Civil War (2014–2017) and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) insurgency. Key figures such as Barack Obama, Nouri al-Maliki, and Haider al-Abadi have played important roles in the aftermath of the conflict, as have the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq and the European Union.

Casualties and Cost

The casualties and cost of the conflict have been significant, with estimates suggesting that between 150,000 and 500,000 civilians were killed, and over 4,000 coalition troops were killed. The financial cost of the conflict has been estimated at over $2 trillion, making it one of the most expensive wars in history. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs and the United Kingdom Ministry of Defence have provided support to veterans of the conflict, as have organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project and the Royal British Legion. The conflict has also had a significant impact on the global economy, with the price of oil and the global financial crisis of 2008 being affected by the war. The United Nations Development Programme and the World Bank have provided critical support to Iraq's reconstruction efforts, as have the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Category:Wars involving the United States Category:21st-century conflicts Category:Invasions Category:Wars involving Iraq