This Day in History: 9 April 2003
9 April 2003
17 years ago, today, Baghdad fell to United States forces, just three weeks into the invasion of Iraq. This ended the invasion but resulted in widespread looting. After a decade of political conflict between the US and Iraq, a multinational 'coalition of the willing' controversially invaded and occupied Iraq, which was then ruled by the harsh dictator, Saddam Hussein. Many reasons were put forward by George W. Bush for why the invasion was necessary. The explanation that Saddam's regime was building weapons of mass destruction was among the most controversial, but other justifications included Saddam's alleged support of al-Qaeda, a group that two years prior had committed the 9/11 attacks. However, after the invasion, no such weapons were found, and claims that Iraqi officials were working with al-Qaeda were found to be false.
Countries such as the UK and Australia joined the US in their invasion, which was intensely controversial. The controversy was heightened after the assertion by President Bush soon after the invasion that the coalition had 'ended major combat operations', in the infamous Mission Accomplished speech. For the next several years, Iraq would descend into violence as many insurgent groups grew in popularity. Although the invasion and occupation was contentious, and cost many lives, Iraq did have a form of democracy restored, and their first proper general elections were held two years later.
Want to find out more about Baghdad falling to US forces? Click here for more information, or here for more on the Iraq invasion.
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