The March to Baghdad: A Timeline of the 2003 Invasion of Iraq

A tank patrols Baghdad after the city fell during Operation Iraqi Freedom. This photo is owned by the Department of Defense and is in the public domain.

On 19 March 2003, the United States invaded Iraq. It was a watershed moment in contemporary geopolitics, with ripple effects that still influence global affairs today. Today, many people look back and think “we should never have gone to war with Iraq.” But that’s taking our reasons for entering war out of context.

At the time, invading Iraq seemed like the only viable choice. We’d just been attacked by terrorists on our own soil and had over a decade of reasons to believe Iraq was producing weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The decision to invade Iraq was based on a complex web of events, policies, and global affairs.

Understanding the timeline leading to the invasion provides valuable insights into the dynamics at play and the factors that ultimately led to the Iraq War.

Let’s look at some of the contributing factors.

 1991:  The Gulf War and Its Aftermath

The roots of the 2003 invasion of Iraq can be traced back to the Gulf War of 1990-1991, where a U.S.-led coalition liberated Kuwait from an Iraqi occupation. Although the war ended quickly with Iraq's defeat, it left many unresolved issues, including Saddam Hussein's grip on power and suspicions regarding Iraq's weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs. These unresolved issues and suspicions festered like an open wound for over a decade before coming to a head in 2003.

1991 – 2001:  No-Fly Zones, UN Sanctions and Inspections, and American Sentiment

In April 1991, as part of the ceasefire agreement, a no-fly zone was established in Northern Iraq. It ran across the 36th parallel and was put in place to prevent Sadam Hussein’s regime from committing genocide against the Kurds. In 1992, a second no-fly zone was established in Southern Iraq along the 33rd parallel to protect the Shiite Muslims in the region. These no-fly zones were major points of tension between the US and Iraq.

Additionally, throughout the 1990s, the United Nations imposed sanctions on Iraq, aiming to compel Saddam Hussein's regime to comply with disarmament mandates. The UN also initiated weapons inspections, which revealed Iraq's concealment of WMD programs, leading to periodic confrontations with the international community.

These confrontations shaped American perceptions of Iraq throughout the 90s and into the early 2000s.

In February 2001, a Gallup poll asked respondents to think back to the Persian Gulf War. They were then asked the following question, “All in all, do you think the situation in the Persian Gulf region was worth going to war over or not?” Over half (63%) responded “Yes, worth it.”

What’s more, that same poll found over half (52%) supported sending troops back to the Persian Gulf to remove Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq.

2001:  September 11th Terrorist Attacks

The terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001 swiftly reshaped U.S. foreign policy priorities. The focus became combating terrorism and addressing real and perceived threats to our national security. Iraq, although not directly linked to the attacks, was one of those perceived threats because of the events of the previous decade. In the aftermath of 9/11, the Bush administration, and many Americans, became increasingly concerned about Iraq’s alleged possession of WMDs.

2002 – 2003:  Buildup to the Invasion of Iraq

Combine the fear and uncertainty Americans felt after 9/11 with the perceptions of Iraq at the time and you have the fuel needed to begin the bipartisan Global War on Terrorism.

President George W. Bush’s State of the Union address, where he famously coined the term "Axis of Evil," also reveals what Americans believed to be true about Iraq. In the address, President Bush states:

“Iraq continues to flaunt its hostility toward America and to support terror. The Iraqi regime has plotted to develop anthrax, nerve gas, and nuclear weapons for over a decade. This is a regime that has already used poison gas to murder thousands of its own citizens -- leaving the bodies of mothers huddled over their dead children. This is a regime that agreed to international inspections – then kicked out the inspectors. This is a regime that has something to hide from the civilized world.”

This belief shaped American perceptions and favor of going to war with Iraq. Throughout 2002 and into 2003, Gallup polls reveal most Americans (58-63%) supported invading Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein even though Iraq had no direct ties to 9/11.

In February 2003, Secretary of State Colin Powell presented the evidence gathered on Iraq’s alleged WMD capabilities to the UN Security Council. This further bolstered the case for intervention. Everything came to a head a few weeks later.

On 17 March 2003, President George H. W. Bush addressed the nation and Saddam Hussein stating, “Saddam Hussein and his sons must leave Iraq within 48 hours. Their refusal to do so will result in military conflict, commenced at a time of our choosing. For their own safety, all foreign nationals, including journalists and inspectors, should leave Iraq immediately." 

Saddam Hussein did not leave.

2003:  The Battle of Baghdad

On March 19, 2003, the United States, supported by the “Coalition of the Willing,” launched Operation Iraqi Freedom, initiating a full-scale invasion of Iraq. The invasion aimed to topple Saddam Hussein's regime, dismantle Iraq's alleged WMD programs, and promote democracy in the region. The military campaign quickly overran Iraqi forces, leading to the fall of Baghdad on 9 April 2003.

The invasion of Iraq was supported by 72% of Americans.

Today, many Americans debate whether invading Iraq was a good call. Hindsight is always 20/20 and, like all decisions, some of the results were beneficial while others were detrimental. We’re not here to offer an opinion or judge. International politics are complex and messy.

Instead, we’re here to give the historical context of the “why” behind the U.S. invasion of Iraq so that our veterans can be recognized for the sacrifices they made during it - regardless of politics. They are overlooked far too often. And that’s not ok.

Join us this month as we honor the U.S. Army 3rd Infantry Division with our March to Baghdad Monthly Mission.