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World Trade Center and Pentagon Bombings
The Sept. 11 attacks are the root of the Iraq War. On Sept. 11 the World Trade Center was subject to two suicidial terrorist bombings using hijacked commercial airplanes. The attacks also included the bombing of the Pentagon, and a failed fourth bombing. The attacks were coordinated by the Islamic terrorist organization Al-Qaeda which spawned the War on Terror that coincided with the preemptive War on Iraq. Image: http://world-visits.blogspot.com/2011/11/world-trade-center-911.html -
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The Iraq War
The Iraq War is the most recent armed conflict in U.S. history which took place between the Coalition Forces, spearheaded by the U.S., and Iraq. The war consisted of the invasion and occupation of Iraq with the goal of stabilizing the country and replacing the former government. -
War on Iraq/Terrorism is Declared
President George W. Bush formally declared war upon Iraq and troops that were stationed along Iraq's south border, as well as at sea, began systematic strikes to begin to disarm the country. Image: http://venezuelanalysis.com/news/2961 -
Saddam's Government Falls
After the Coalition Forces were able to capture Baghdad, Saddam's rule disintergrated; accompanied by a suprising amount of Iraqi support that included destruction of Hussein's statues, looting govenment buildings, and even welcoming American troops. Image: http://www.theguardian.com/media/2012/dec/03/laptop-destroyed-saddam-hussein-underpants-picture -
United Nations Suicide Bomber
Using a cement mixer filled with explosives, a terrorist suicide-bombed the United Nations building killing 17 and injuring over 100 people. Image: http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/world/2013-06/19/content_16638601.htm -
Saddam Hussein Arrested
After evading capture for eight months, Saddam Hussein the once all powerful dictator was found hiding in an eight foot hole at a farm near Tikrit. Image: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iraq/7884652/Imam-arrested-for-painting-Saddam-Husseins-name-on-mosque.html -
Abu Ghraib Photos
Photos of inhumane, abusive, and tourturous treatment of detainees in Abu Ghraib were virally leaked across the internet. President Bush declared any soldiers at fault for the mistreatment of war detainees would be punished. Image: http://www.andyworthington.co.uk/2011/06/28/us-supreme-court-refuses-to-allow-abu-ghraib-torture-victims-to-sue-military-contractors/ -
Iraq Gains Sovereignty
The U.S. transfered over power to Iraq leaders even though they would continue with their post-war plan to install democracy within the country. Image: http://www.operationworld.org/country/iraq/owtext.html -
Iraq's First Free Elections
Twenty-two months after Saddam Hussein was dethroned, huge numbers of Iraqis showed up to participate in the countries first democratic elections in 50 years amongst death threats, suicide bombers, and mortars. Image: http://www.caabj.com/2008/09/your-voice-your-vote-will-give-public.html -
Saddam Hussein Trial
Saddam Hussein is tried in court on the charges of killing 148 people in 1992. Hussein declares that he does not recognize the authority of the court because it is a pawn of the American agressors. This is his first of two hearings. Image: http://www.caabj.com/2008/09/your-voice-your-vote-will-give-public.html -
Askariya Shrine Bombed
A huge explosion caused by a bomb reaped havoc at one of Iraq's most revered Shiite shrines. The Askariya Shrine's golden dome was severly damaged and this reawoke huge tensions between the Sunnis and the Shiites which resulted in further attacks. Image: http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/meast/08/05/iraq.main/ -
Al-Maliki Becomes Prime Minister Of Iraq
Iraq elects Shi'ite nominee Nuri Kamal Al-Maliki as Prime Minister. His conservative ways and outspoken personality were well liked and he was poised to be the leader of Iraq's first full-time government since the fall of Hussein. He also was supported by Bush. Image: http://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2006/04/iraq-chooses-al-maliki-as-prime-minister/ -
Saddam Hussein is Excecuted
After being found guilty for crimes against humanity, Saddam Hussein was senteced to death. He was set to be hanged. Media coverage showed footage of the moments leading up to his execution. Later, mobile phone footage of the actual excecution was leaked. Image: http://www.militantislammonitor.org/article/id/2646 -
Parliment Ratifies Agreement on Withdrawl
Iraqi parliment ratified an agreement between the U.S. and Iraq that set a timeline for the U.S. to withdraw it's troops. The first withdrawl was scheduled for the majority of troops within the cities by summer of 2009, and sets the final withdrawl of all American troops from the country at the end of 2011. This marked the beginning of a new diplomatic relationship between the two countries. -
U.S. Embassy Opened In Iraq
The U.S. opened the largest U.S. embassy in the world in Baghdad. The complex is a massive 104 acre building that was supposed to represent another step in the right direction for the two countires' diplomatic relationship. Image: http://content.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1869744,00.html -
First Withdrawl from Iraq
All across the country, Iraqi citizens rejoice and celebrate the removal of American troops from their cities. This becomes a national holiday. Image: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/29/us-troops-to-withdraw-fro_n_222387.html -
Obama Declares End to Combat
Obama states that the U.S. has fufilled it's responsibility to Iraq and that the seven year period of combat is now over. The U.S. had bigger problems to deal with, such as it's own economy. -
Formal End to U.S. Operations in Iraq
The U.S. formally ends all operations in Iraq during a ceremony in Baghdad. Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta praised the million plus U.S. service members for their contributions, however there are still major obstacles for Iraq's democracy.
