#OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM FREE#

This was followed by the U.S.-led invasion that rapidly defeated the military forces of Iraq, resulting in the collapse of Saddam Hussein’s government and forcing him into hiding. The invasion of Iraq began on March 19, 2003, with the “shock and awe” bombing campaign conducted by the United States and its coalition partners. Phase 7: Operation New Dawn, September 1, 2010–December 15, 2011 Phase 6: Iraqi Sovereignty, January 1, 2009–August 31, 2010 Phase 4: National Resolution, December 16, 2005–January 9, 2007 Phase 3: Iraqi Governance, June 29, 2004–December 15, 2005 Phase 2: Transition of Iraq, May 2, 2003–June 28, 2004

Phase 1: Liberation of Iraq, March 19, 2003–May 1, 2003 The Center of Military History established the following seven completed campaign phases for Operation Iraqi Freedom: The biggest impact was on the families of the troops deployed, as well as their communities. However, hometowns organized care packages for individuals, and school children sent packages, letters, and cards, especially around holidays. Although the war was covered extensively in the media for the first two or three years, coverage as well as public attention eventually waned. Unlike earlier conflicts, no rationing or major shortages impacted day-to-day activities. Many Arkansans were deployed as part of regular military units, and the Arkansas National Guard deployed approximately 10,000 soldiers and airmen during the over eight-year war, resulting in twenty-three deaths of Guard members.īack home, life continued uninterrupted by the war for most Americans. and coalition forces lasting from 2003 to 2011. The war’s first phase was a conventional-style war fought against the Iraqi military forces in March and April 2003, while the second phase was a protracted conflict against an opposing insurgency by occupying U.S. By 2006, a majority of Americans felt that it was time for the coalition to get out of Iraq, although it was five years before this occurred. However, beginning in late 2004, public opinion shifted, declaring the invasion a mistake. After the initial invasion in 2003, a majority of Americans supported military efforts. A USA Today/CNN/Gallup poll showed that sixty percent of Americans supported military intervention as long as UN support was obtained. As the invasion loomed, support for the war hinged on United Nations (UN) approval. The largest consisted of between 100,000 and 400,000 held in New York City on February 15, 2003. Reminiscent of the Vietnam War era, protestors conducted numerous events across the nation. In October 2002, when Congress passed a resolution authorizing military action, the six-person congressional delegation from Arkansas voted in favor, with a single dissenting vote, from Congressman Vic Snyder. However, sixty percent of Americans supported military action if diplomatic efforts failed. Significant opposition arose in 2002–2003 during the run up to the war, with sixty-three percent of Americans desiring a diplomatic solution in Iraq.

#OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM FREE#

One goal of the invasion was to overthrow the oppressive regime of Saddam Hussein to establish a free and independent Iraqi government, democratically elected by its people. The lack of evidence of any WMDs later became a political flashpoint. The invasion was initiated based on intelligence that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), and that Saddam Hussein was harboring and supporting al-Qaeda terrorists. The armed conflict called Operation Iraqi Freedom began with an invasion of Iraq, led primarily by the United States with the assistance of Great Britain and other allies the conflict lasted from 2003 to 2011.

Operation iraqi freedom