The Iraq War refers to the war that began in March 2003 when a coalition of countries, primarily led by the United States and the United Kingdom, launched a military invasion of Iraq. The main stated reasons for this invasion were to eliminate Iraq's alleged weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), remove Saddam Hussein from power, and promote democracy and stability in the region.
The Iraq War had its roots in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States in 2001. The U.S. government, under the administration of President George W. Bush, argued that Iraq, under Saddam Hussein, posed a threat due to its WMD programs and its potential to support terrorist organizations. However, the invasion and subsequent occupation of Iraq faced significant controversy and opposition, both domestically and internationally.
The conflict quickly led to the overthrow of Saddam Hussein's regime, but the search for WMDs proved unsuccessful, and no substantial evidence of active WMD programs was found. The war also resulted in a protracted insurgency, sectarian violence, and the rise of extremist groups, including Al-Qaeda in Iraq (later known as the Islamic State or ISIS).
The Iraq War had a profound and lasting impact on the region. It destabilized Iraq, causing significant loss of life and displacing millions of people. The war also strained U.S. relations with some of its allies and led to widespread protests and opposition to the war. It remains a topic of debate and analysis with regard to its justifiability, consequences, and long-term effects on the Middle East and international politics.
