Iraq War (2003 - 2009)
Turmoil Under U.S.-Led Occupation.

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Al Askari Mosque Bombing in Samarra Triggers Shi'a Retaliation (Feb 22, 2006): Sunni combatants (possibly Al Qaeda in Iraq) decimated the sacred Shi'a holy site, originally built in 944. After exhibiting restraint through much of 2005, the bombing incited Shi'a retaliation against Sunnis. Shi'a death squads carried out killings of Sunni Muslims throughout Iraq, elicting counter-retaliations by Sunnis, bringing the nation to the verge of civil war, as attacks increased considerably. As a result, Iraqi deaths would spiral upward in 2006, and US control became much more tenuous.

(Timeline Continued Below)

 Further Understanding:  Iraq at Brink of Civil War

Escalation in Violence: Due to the Shi'a-Sunni internal conflict in Iraq, the death toll from secterian violence in Baghdad alone had reached about 100 per day by June (3000/month).

Shi'a Rebels Reassert Themselves: In addition to responding to Sunni attacks with force, Shi'a groups seized possession of several cities in the Shi'a-dominated Southern Iraq.

Coalition Failure to Stem Sectarian Violence: In July, the US and Iraqi security forces launched an operation to mitigate Shi'a-Sunni violence in Baghdad, where it had inflamed out of control. The campaign involved mobilizing 70,000 mostly Iraqi security forces into the streets of Baghdad, for increased patrols, security check points and raids. However, the operation failed to slow the acts of violence.

Transfer of Power to Iraq's First Permanent Government (May 20): The new, permanent government of Iraq takes the mantle of governance from the Iraqi Transitional Government, which drafted a new constitution. Now, the government of Iraq is officially in the hands of Iraqis, with a permanent constitution to follow, and elections to democratically select leaders. A National Assembly was elected in December of 2005. The assembly was responsible for electing the individuals to fulfill prominent positions, such as the Prime Minister, who then chooses his own cabinet.

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al-Zarqawi Killed in Baquba (Jun 7): A U.S. intelligence officer convinced an associate of al-Zarqawi, picked up for interrogation, to help give away Zarqawi's location. The associate offered the location of a safe house in Baquba. Jordanian intelligent officers staked out the house for six weeks, until June 7, when they identified Zarqawi entering the home. Iraqi Security Forces promptly cordoned off the area, and two U.S. jets immediately flew overhead, dropping a total of four guided bombs on the house. Zarqawi was killed along with six others, including his wife and child.

 Further Understanding:
 Effect of al-Zarqawi's Death on Al-Qaeda in Iraq

al-Zarqawi's followers revered him as a martyr, and escalated attacks in Iraq in the months following his death, resulting in the deadliest time period on record in post-invasion Iraq. By early 2007, Sunnis that had fought alongside Al-Qaeda in Iraq had become disenchanted with its fanatical tactics, which killed military and civilian alike, and men, women and children alike. Al-Qaeda soon became despised by the general Sunni populace, severely hindering its operations.

Saddam's lead defense attorney is assassinated (Jun 21).

Inconclusive Battle of Ramadi in Al Anbar Province (Jun - Nov): By mid-year, the US was ready for a concentrated offensive into Ramadi. The city had been largely taken over by Sunni insurgents before US forces moved in for the attack. US forces enjoyed initial success when the invasion began on June 17. As the US gained footholds deep into the city, they came under heavy fire by waves of insurgents. The campaign grinded to a halt in mid-November, as the US was unable to break the standoff and gain further ground inside Ramadi. At the end of 2006, the US held about 70% of the city, while the Sunni rebels controlled the remainder.

Note: Sunni Control in Al Anbar Province. Most of the rest of the Al Anbar Province (outside of Ramadi) remained under Sunni Rebel Control.

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Muthanna Province Handed Over to Iraqi Government (July 12): The US-led coalition fully turned over the province to the new, permanent Iraqi government, to provide governance and security without US help. The Muthanna Province has continued to operate smoothly since.

Saddam Sentenced to Death (Nov 5): Saddam is sentenced to death by hanging, convicted for the unlawful executions of 148 Shi'a Muslims in Dujail.

Saddam's appeal was rejected, with no other appeals being allowed (Dec 26).

Hanging of Saddam (Dec 30): Saddam's death sentence is carried out, and Saddam is hung to death. Reaction around the world was mixed. Many felt the tribunal was illegitimate, since it operated under an occupying power (the US), while others praised what they perceived to be fitting justice for a brutal dictator. There were also accusations of government and US tampering with the trial.

(Timeline Continued Below)

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