The 2003 invasion of Iraq, known as Operation Iraqi Freedom, was a military campaign led by the United States and its allies with the goal of removing Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, disarming Iraq of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), ending support for terrorism, and to create a nation in Arab world that's friendly to Israel. It began on March 19th, 2003, and lasted over a month.
The invasion involved a coalition force of about 160,000 troops, mainly American soldiers. They swiftly overpowered Iraqi forces, capturing Baghdad on April 9th, 2003, after the Battle of Baghdad. President George W. Bush declared the end of major combat operations on May 1st, 2003.
The invasion was based on concerns about Iraq's alleged possession of WMDs and its potential threat to global peace, although no evidence of WMDs was found. The war had support from some countries but faced opposition from others, including long-standing U.S. allies like France, Germany, and New Zealand. Massive protests against the war occurred worldwide, involving millions of people.
During the invasion, coalition forces faced limited resistance and successfully occupied Iraq, leading to the overthrow of Saddam Hussein's regime. The subsequent period involved military occupation and the establishment of transitional governments. The U.S. military presence in Iraq continued until its withdrawal in 2011.
Aftermath
The removal of Saddam Hussein in 2003 created a power vacuum in Iraq, which has been exploited smartly by Iran, America's greatest enemy in the Arab world. Here’s how it happened:
Political Vacuum: Saddam Hussein’s regime was Sunni, although Iraq has a majority Shia population. His removal left a gap in the political structure, which was filled by the Shia majority. Iran, being a predominantly Shia country, found common ground with the new Iraqi leadership.
Influence through Militias: Iran extended its influence in Iraq through various Shia militias. Many of these militias were trained and funded by Iran, enabling Iran to exert considerable influence over Iraq’s security situation.
Economic Ties: Post-Saddam Iraq saw an increase in trade with Iran, further tying the two countries together. Iran became one of Iraq’s largest trading partners, enhancing its influence over the Iraqi economy.
Cultural and Religious Ties: Iran has capitalized on the shared Shia faith to extend its influence in Iraq. The two countries share several religious sites and festivals, and Iran has used these to strengthen its cultural ties with Iraq.
Political Influence: Iran has been able to exert direct and indirect influence over Iraq’s political affairs. It has supported various Shia political parties and politicians, further consolidating its influence in Iraq.
The net result of these factors is that Iran has been able to extend its sphere of influence into Iraq in the post-Saddam era.
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