1. 2003 Invasion of Iraq

2. The Beginning … UN imposed sanctions of Iraq after the invasion and annexation of Kuwait had not completely stopped Saddam Hussein’s aggressive foreign policy. Ceasefire between Iraq and US included imposing a “no fly zone” over parts of Iraq, which were contested, as well as further economic sanctions. UN investigations following post-war disarmament of Ba’athist Iraq.

3. September 11, 2001 Terrorist attacks on the ‘Twin Towers’ in New York City, USA. Alleged involvement of Saddam as opposed to terrorist claims, tinder for the growing tensions between the US and the Iraq.

4. United Nations US allies in NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) continue to urge diplomacy US makes case to UN Security Council; 2002 Bush Address. Compromise resolution: UN Security Council Resolution 1441 – authorisation of inspections into post-war disarmament of Iraq Promise of “serious consequences”

5. US Congress Following hold up of weapons inspections, US Congress passed “Joint Resolution to Authorize the Use of United States Armed Forces Against Iraq” Essentially an authorisation of emergency powers to the President, George W Bush, to use any means necessary. Decision still disputed today.

6. Invasion Began with skirmishes mostly against air defences Attacks sought to cripple command structure of Iraq defences ‘Shock and awe’ tactics meant a collaboration between ordnance (weapons from aircraft), ground campaigns and armour (tanks) in securing key positions of strategic value. Relied heavily on effective communications.

7. Invasion Shock and awe resembled German Blitzekrieg from WWII. Key battles (Nasiriyah, Najaf, Basra, Karbala) in the lead up to Baghdad were carried out following Special Operations reconnaissance. The fall of Baghdad occurred in early April, 2003 – culminating in the toppling of Saddam’s statue.

8. After the Invasion When Saddam Hussein and his Ba’athist government were deposed, the coalition forces (Multinational Force – Iraq, or MNF-I) established a new government. The finality of the invasion was not received well by the entire Iraqi population; issues of looting and violence was prevalent, as well as early stages of Iraqi insurgency.

9. “Mission Accomplished” May 1, 2003: President Bush gives a speech acclaiming the efforts of the coalition forces and reassuring that there was still work to be done to secure Iraq. However, the invasion was followed by a longer, more violent series of conflicts that were fought between Iraqi insurgents and the US led Coalition forces.

10. Summary 19 March – 1 May 2003 Codename: Operation Iraqi Freedom Coalition forces, led by US, made up of a range of nations against Iraqi forces. Use of ‘shock and awe’ military tactics by coalition forces to overwhelm Iraq resistance Result: capture of Baghdad, deposed Ba’athist govt., and establishment of new govt.