Fact Check: "The Iraq War began in 2003 and lasted until 2011."
What We Know
The Iraq War was an armed conflict initiated by a United States-led coalition against the regime of Saddam Hussein. The conflict officially began on March 20, 2003, with the invasion of Iraq and continued until the complete withdrawal of U.S. military forces on December 18, 2011. This timeline indicates that the war lasted for approximately eight years and nine months (source-1, source-3). The war was part of a broader campaign against terrorism known as the Global War on Terror, and it was characterized by significant military operations, political upheaval, and ongoing insurgency (source-2, source-4).
Analysis
The claim that the Iraq War began in 2003 and lasted until 2011 is supported by multiple credible sources. The George W. Bush Presidential Library confirms that the conflict spanned from March 2003 to December 2011, marking it as a significant period in U.S. military history (source-1). Additionally, the Wikipedia timeline provides a detailed chronology of events that occurred during this period, reinforcing the established timeline.
The Council on Foreign Relations and PBS also outline the key events of the war, including the initial invasion and the eventual withdrawal of troops, further corroborating the claim. The timeline of events indicates a clear beginning with the invasion and a definitive end with the withdrawal of U.S. forces, which aligns with the assertion made in the claim.
While some sources may present varying perspectives on the implications and consequences of the war, the fundamental dates of the conflict are consistent across reputable historical accounts. The reliability of these sources is high, as they come from established institutions and historical records.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the Iraq War began in 2003 and lasted until 2011 is accurate. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that the conflict officially started on March 20, 2003, and concluded with the withdrawal of U.S. forces on December 18, 2011. This timeline is well-documented and widely accepted in historical accounts of the Iraq War.
