US Invades Iraq

Setting the scene

The U.S. invaded Iraq on March 20, 2003, launching Operation Iraqi Freedom with a 'shock and awe' bombing campaign followed by ground invasion. President George W. Bush claimed Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction and had ties to al-Qaeda—claims later proven false. The invasion involved 160,000 U.S. and allied troops.

What happened

Baghdad fell April 9, 2003, with Saddam Hussein's statue toppled. Bush declared 'mission accomplished' May 1, but an insurgency began. No WMDs were found. Saddam was captured December 2003 and executed 2006. The war lasted until 2011, killing 4,500 Americans and 200,000+ Iraqis.

Why it still matters

The invasion destabilized the Middle East, empowered Iran, and led to the rise of ISIS. It damaged U.S. credibility and demonstrated the dangers of preventive war based on flawed intelligence. March 20, 2003, began America's longest war at the time.

Background

No stockpiles were found as claimed.