War+in+Iraq

Tensions Rise
The horrors of September 11, 2001 were still fresh in the minds of Americans when a new threat appeared on the horizon. The regime of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, known for the torture and killing of many Iraqi people, was reported to have weapons of mass destruction in its possession. In late 2002, President Bush directed Secretary of State Colin Powell to position weapons inspectors in Iraq. The UN also authorized this decision. However, Bush believed that Hussein was not cooperating sufficiently with the investigation and threatened to use force if necessary. In 2003, Hussein ignored Bush’s ultimatum to leave the country or military force would be used against his regime. Bush began military operations in Iraq after Hussein ignored the ultimatum. He then announced his course of action to the public in a televised speech. Bush stated that these operations would free the Iraqi people of an oppressive system. He also encouraged the members of the military about to go to war:

“To all the men and women of the United States Armed Forces now in the Middle East, the peace of a troubled world and the hopes of an oppressed people now depend on you. That trust is well placed. The enemies you confront will come to know your skill and bravery. The people you liberate will witness the honorable and decent spirit of the American military. In this conflict, America faces an enemy who has no regard for conventions of war or rules of morality. Saddam Hussein has placed Iraqi troops and equipment in civilian areas, attempting to use innocent men, women, and children as shields for his own military—a final atrocity against his people” ( George W. Bush: Announcement of Attack on Iraq”) .

Early Success
At first, coalition forces experienced numerous victories and quickly took the city of Baghdad. Hussein went into hiding after the arrival of troops, but was found in December 2003. In 2004, a new Iraqi constitution was created, and free elections occurred in 2005. After hearings regarding the crimes against the Iraqi people, Hussein was sentenced to death and executed in 2006. However, after the end of the Hussein regime, there was an increase in insurgent attacks against the troops. Throughout this time period, divisions among the Sunni and Shiite sects deepened, and the threat of civil war emerged, with the allied troop forces caught in the crossfire. Deaths of troops in Iraq increased as a result of bombings, attacks, etc.

Dwindling Support
As the length of the war increased and the death toll mounted, support dwindled and criticism became more prevalent. No weapons of mass destruction were found and the supposed link between Hussein and Al Qaeda was never substantiated, which increased criticism. American citizens lost friends and family to the war, which also cost billions to fight, eventually bringing the country into another deficit. Despite the general disapproval of the war, Bush did not withdrawal troops, believing it would encourage terrorists. In 2007 a troop surge was recommended in order to quell the rising insurgent violence. In 2009 troops still remain in Iraq, training Iraqi security forces and attempting to aid the Iraqi government’s development. Though the war in Iraq was a major concern in this time period, challenges appeared on the home front as well.