 |
Custom Search
|
|
|
Custom Search
|
| Worldology.com | Blog | Interactive Maps | Europe | Iraq | Articles | Timelines | Free Subscription |
|
Detailed Timeline of
Iraq History
Iraq War (2003 - 2009)
Go to "History of Iraq" Interactive Map
(Timeline Continued Below)
Further Understanding: U.S. Troop Surge Initial Results: In March, Iraqi and U.S. Military deaths had actually risen. By May, the U.S. only effectively controlled 1/3 of Baghdad, and Shi'a-Sunni clashes were not yet being stemmed. Results By End of Year: Violence had dropped significantly by the end of the year in both Baghdad and the Al Anbar Province. Despite an improvement in the security situation, political and economic benchmarks were largely unmet. Causes for the Post-Surge Reduction in Violence: The analysis from various experts is mixed in regards to the role of the "surge" in the reduction of violence. Other factors may have also played a part in the decline in hostile activity beginning in the second half of 2007. These possibilities include: (1) Shi'a had effectively cleared many Sunni from mixed neighborhoods and areas, causing a reduction in clashes. (2) Insurgents are now employing the strategy of waiting out the U.S. presence, learning that direct confrontation favors the U.S. (3) The Sunni Awakening severely weakened jihadist activity and support, as tribal chiefs in the lawless west banded together to aid the U.S. fight against insurgents, in an effort to restore a semblance of stability. Maps.com - The World's Largest Maps Store!
Campaign to Secure Basra in First Half of 2007: British and Iraqi government forces engaged in a concerted effort to rid the city of corruption and Shi'ite militias which had terrorized many of the citizens. The operation was largely successful in meeting its objective. Save as much as 70% on select National Geographic merchandise!
Shi'a-Sunni Sectarian Violence Tapers Off in Mid-Late 2007: Thanks in large part to their superior numbers, the Shi'a Muslims gained the upper hand in the ethnic turf wars raging in mixed-ethnic neighborhoods throughout Iraq, and especially in Baghdad. As a result, Shi'ites forced large numbers of Sunnis out of their homes in these violent hot spots, reducing the opportunities to clash. Consequently, Baghdad became mostly Shi'a by the end of 2007.
British Hand Over Basra to Iraqis (Dec 16): British troops handed over control of the city and province of Basra to the Iraqi government. A BBC poll of local citizens found that 86% believed the British presence had a negative effect on Basra. Save up to 85% on over 1300 magazines at BlueDolphin.com
Further Understanding: Weakening Insurgency in Al Anbar Province Insurgency Seriously Stalled in Al Anbar Province: U.S. and Iraqi Security troops take out several Al Qaeda and other insurgent strongholds, while capturing and killing several leaders, delivering a crushing blow to the insurgency in Western Iraq. Fallujah was secure to the point that it was able to be turned over to the Iraqi government in August. Anbar Awakening Council Turns Against Insurgency: Formed by a confederation of tribal Sunni Sheiks, who began to cooperate with U.S. forces. Sunni insurgents had begun to seriously interfere with tribal commerce, which depended heavily on smuggling goods across the Syrian and Jordanian borders. The Awakening Council began to take up arms against the insurgents after being violently persecuted for their cooperation with U.S. forces. This development was a major factor in the rapid crippling of Al Qaeda and other insurgent Sunni groups in the province. (Timeline Continued Below)
Further Understanding: Shi'a Uprisings Settle, But Dissent Simmers Shi'a Mahdi Army Activities: Originally formed under the leadership of radical cleric al-Sadr, it had splintered into various factions, most no longer heeding al-Sadr's commands to lay down their weapons. Instead, remnants of the Mahdi Army marauded throughout southern Shi'a-dominated cities, killing and evicting Sunni Muslims remaining in these areas. They even came into occasional conflict with coalition and Iraqi government forces. Al-Sadr Supporters Resign Government Posts: Many loyalists left their positions in the Iraqi government, in protest of the government's cooperation with the "occupiers" (U.S. and coalition forces). Al-Sadr continued his vehement rhetoric opposing the ongoing U.S.-led occupation, inciting mass demonstrations. Further Understanding: Turkey-Kurdish Conflicts
Oct 21: Twelve Turkish soldiers
die in skirmishes along the border with Kurdish PKK rebels. What is the Kurdistan PKK (Kurdistan Workers' Party)?: A Kurdish guerilla group that seeks to establish an independent, socialist Kurd nation. Listed as a terrorist organization due to its violent tactics.
Go to "History of
Iraq" Interactive Map
|
|
|
Worldology Home | About Worldology | Advertise With Us | Contact Us | Privacy Policy © 2009 Worldology, LLC |
U.S. Troop Surge
(Jan - May, 2007): During this time period,
the U.S. ramped up its troop numbers by about 30,000, increasing the
total troop strength to about 160,000, which would be largely maintained
until 2009. To reach this number, tours were extended for 4,000 Marines
in Al Anbar Province, and 20,000+ extra troops were deployed, mostly to
Baghdad.
Iraqi Security and Coalition Forces
Defeat Shi'a Insurgents in Battle of Najaf (Jan
28-29): Iraqi security forces claimed to receive a tip
exposing a plot to assassinate various Shi'a religious leaders. The
fighting started after Iraqi government forces raided the compound of an
apocalyptical Shi'a Islam cult. The fighting became so intense that
Iraqi government forces called in U.S. and British air and ground forces
for back up. A day after the fighting began, Iraqi and coalition forces
subdued the rebels, who were of anti-government sentiment. Between 11
and 25 Iraqi government forces were killed, two U.S. soldiers, and over
200 Shi'a insurgents, along with over 400 insurgents captured.
Controversy brewed in the aftermath as it was determined that many of
the dead were innocent civilians.
Shi'a-Sunni Sectarian Violence Peaks
in Early 2007: Sunni militants continued to detonate bombs in
Shi’ite-heavy neighborhoods in Baghdad and elsewhere. In response,
marauding Shi’a death squads took to the streets motivated by revenge,
killing large numbers of Sunni Muslims in retribution. During this time,
civil war appeared inevitable, as both sides used little discretion
selecting their victims, targeting even women, children and holy sites.
Sunni Insurgents Defeated in Ramadi
(Jun 30): A company of "Al-Qaeda in
Iraq" rebels launched an offensive on U.S. Army soldiers patrolling the
city. The U.S. forces routed the insurgents, virtually ending the
insurgency in Ramadi, as attacks came to a near-complete halt.
British troops withdrew to Basra
International Airport on the outskirts of the city
(Sep 3).
