A Protracted Armed Conflict

The Iraq War

A Protracted Armed Conflict

The Iraq War, also known as the Second Persian Gulf War or Second Gulf War, was a protracted armed conflict that began with the 2003 American-led invasion of Iraq and the deposition of Iraqi president Saddam Hussein. The conflict lasted for over a decade, with major combat operations ending in 2003 but violence continuing in the years that followed.

Initial Invasion and Major Combat Operations

The invasion of Iraq began on March 20, 2003, and lasted for just over one month. It involved a United States-led coalition that included the United Kingdom, Australia, and Poland. The invasion was followed by 26 days of major combat operations, during which coalition forces quickly gained control of major cities and deposed Saddam Hussein.

Aftermath and Legacy

The Iraq War had a profound impact on Iraq and the Middle East region. It led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Iraqi civilians and soldiers, and destabilized the country, creating a power vacuum that allowed for the rise of sectarian violence and the Islamic State group. The war also had a significant impact on the United States, both in terms of its military resources and its political and diplomatic standing.