On 20 March 2003, US and allied forces invaded Iraq and toppled Saddam Hussein's regime. The US said Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, which turned out to be false. Among the nations that supported the invasion was Great Britain, led by Prime Minister Tony Blair. The UK played a significant role in the war, providing military support and political backing to the US-led coalition.
The decision to invade Iraq was highly controversial, with many countries and international organizations, including the United Nations, opposing the military intervention. However, the US and its allies, including Great Britain, went ahead with the invasion, citing the need to remove Saddam Hussein from power and eliminate the alleged threat posed by Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.
Great Britain's involvement in the Iraq war was met with widespread criticism, both at home and abroad. Many British citizens protested against their government's decision to join the US-led invasion, questioning the legitimacy of the war and the basis for military action. The UK's participation in the conflict strained its relations with other European countries and caused divisions within the British political establishment.
Despite the controversies surrounding the Iraq war, Great Britain remained a key ally of the United States throughout the conflict. British troops fought alongside American forces in Iraq, contributing to the military campaign to overthrow Saddam Hussein's regime and establish a new government in the country. The UK's military involvement in Iraq continued for several years, with British forces facing significant challenges and casualties during their deployment.
The aftermath of the Iraq war has been marked by ongoing instability and violence in the region, as well as the rise of extremist groups such as ISIS. The US-led invasion and the subsequent occupation of Iraq have had far-reaching consequences for the country and the broader Middle East, with lasting impacts on security, stability, and governance in the region.
In recent years, the Iraq war has come under renewed scrutiny, with many questioning the legality and morality of the military intervention. The role of Great Britain in the invasion has been a subject of particular interest, as the country's support for the war has been seen as a defining moment in British foreign policy and international relations. The legacy of the Iraq war continues to shape debates on military intervention, regime change, and the use of force in international affairs.
