Chronicling the Iraq War
On March 20, 2003, U.S-led forces invaded Iraq. Within three weeks, coalition troops had captured Baghdad and by May 1, 2003, President Bush had declared an end to major combat operations in Iraq. But the war was far from over. The ensuing conflict, much like the buildup to war, has generated controversy in the U.S. and abroad as coalition troops have struggled to rebuild the war-torn country and to contain an ever-growing and deep-seated insurgency. Below is a collection of key Washington Post coverage on the phases of the Iraq war.
| Build-Up | Invasion | Occupation | Sectarian Violence | Coalition Strained |
|---|
Death toll of U.S. troops in Iraq surpasses 3,000, underscoring strain on coalition forces. Congressional Democrats demand timetable for troop withdrawal. |
| Build-Up | Invasion | Occupation | Sectarian Violence | Coalition Strained |
Violence between rival Muslim sects escalates, as Sunni Arabs bristle at rise of Shiite majority. Meanwhile, Kurds continue push for autonomy in the north. |
| Build-Up | Invasion | Occupation | Sectarian Violence | Coalition Strained |
Saddam Hussein's capture does little to reassure an Iraqi population that is increasingly wary of the U.S.-led occupation. |
| Build-Up | Invasion | Occupation | Sectarian Violence | Coalition Strained |
U.S. forces storm Iraq in a much anticipated attack. As Hussein's government collapses, Bush proclaims an early victory. |
| Build-Up | Invasion | Occupation | Sectarian Violence | Coalition Strained |
President Bush vows to defeat terrorism in his first State of the Union address after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. A debate is born over the case for invading Iraq. |
