The Iraq War, which took place from March 20, 2003, to December 18, 2011, was a complex and controversial conflict centered on Iraq's alleged possession of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), as well as broader geopolitical considerations. Spearheaded by a coalition led by the United States and supported by the United Kingdom, the war aimed to remove Saddam Hussein from power and eliminate any perceived threat posed by his regime's WMD capabilities. However, subsequent investigations failed to conclusively confirm the presence of such weapons. The initial military campaign resulted in the swift overthrow of Saddam Hussein's government, but the lack of a comprehensive post-war plan led to a prolonged insurgency, sectarian violence, and regional instability.

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Key events during the Iraq War included the "shock and awe" air campaign that marked the beginning of the conflict, followed by a ground invasion that quickly toppled Saddam Hussein's regime by April 2003. The subsequent years saw efforts to establish a new government and rebuild Iraq, but tensions between various ethnic and sectarian groups escalated into insurgency and civil conflict. The war also revealed instances of prisoner abuse at the Abu Ghraib prison, prompting international condemnation and scrutiny. The gradual withdrawal of U.S. troops and the rise of extremist groups, notably ISIS, further complicated the situation, necessitating additional international intervention.

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The war's aftermath posed significant challenges in terms of reconstruction, governance, and security. Key figures involved included U.S. President George W. Bush, British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, and Nouri al-Maliki, a pivotal figure in Iraq's post-war politics. The Iraq War's impact extended beyond military operations, shaping discussions about preemptive warfare, nation-building, and the ethics of interventionism on a global scale.

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A timeline of battles and events during the War in Iraq (2003-2011):

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2003:

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Invasion of Iraq (March 20 - May 1, 2003):

The United States and its coalition allies launched a military invasion of Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein's regime, initiating the Iraq War.

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Fall of Baghdad (April 9, 2003):

US forces captured the capital city of Baghdad, leading to the collapse of Saddam Hussein's rule.

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2004:

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First Battle of Fallujah (April 4 - May 1, 2004):

US forces launched an offensive to retake the city of Fallujah from insurgents, but heavy fighting and civilian casualties led to a withdrawal.

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Second Battle of Fallujah (November 7 – December 23, 2004)

Also known as Operation Phantom Fury, was a fierce military offensive conducted by US and coalition forces to retake the city of Fallujah from insurgents during the Iraq War. Characterized by intense urban combat, the battle aimed to eliminate insurgent strongholds and restore control over the city, resulting in significant casualties and destruction.

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2005

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Iraqi Elections (January 30, 2005)

Iraq held its first democratic elections since the fall of Saddam Hussein, a significant step toward establishing a new government.

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2006-2007

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Civil Unrest and Sectarian Violence (Throughout 2006-2007):

Iraq experienced a surge in sectarian violence, with Sunni and Shia militias engaged in deadly clashes.

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2007

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US Troop Surge (Throughout 2007):

The United States implemented a "surge" strategy, increasing troop levels to stabilize Iraq and suppress violence in key areas.

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2008

Basra Offensive (March 25 - April 7, 2008):

Iraqi security forces, supported by British troops, launched an operation to regain control of Basra from Shia militias.

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Battle of Sadr City (March 25 - May 11, 2008):

US and Iraqi forces engaged in heavy fighting against the Mahdi Army in the Shia stronghold of Sadr City.

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2009

US Troop Withdrawal from Cities (June 30, 2009):

US forces withdrew from urban areas in Iraq, transitioning security responsibilities to Iraqi security forces.

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2010

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Iraqi Parliamentary Elections (March 7, 2010):

Iraq held parliamentary elections, resulting in a complex political landscape as no single party gained a majority.

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2011

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US Troop Withdrawal (December 18, 2011):

The last US combat troops left Iraq, effectively ending the US military's direct involvement in the Iraq War.