U.S. invasion of Iraq

The U.S. invasion of Iraq began in March 2003, motivated by the belief that Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) that could threaten global security. The Bush administration argued that Iraq could be linked to terrorism, particularly after the September 11 attacks. The invasion quickly led to the toppling of Hussein’s regime, but the aftermath sparked a prolonged insurgency and civil conflict, raising questions about the justification and effectiveness of the military action. Ultimately, no WMDs were found, leading to widespread debate over the invasion's legitimacy and its long-term consequences for Iraq and the region.