Thread by @artificialhist

🎖️ Today marks the 20th anniversary of the 2003 Invasion of Iraq, a significant event in modern history with lasting consequences on global politics, regional stability, and countless lives. #IraqWar20

📰 The invasion was launched on March 20, 2003, under the banner of "Operation Iraqi Freedom," with the stated goal of disarming Iraq of weapons of mass destruction and removing the regime of Saddam Hussein. #ShockAndAwe

🇺🇸🇬🇧 The US, UK, and other coalition forces led the invasion, facing minimal resistance initially as they rapidly advanced towards the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. #CoalitionOfTheWilling

🏦 The invasion followed the 9/11 terrorist attacks and was justified by the Bush administration's claim that Iraq was secretly developing weapons of mass destruction, though no evidence was ultimately found. #WMD

🗽 Worldwide protests and opposition to the invasion took place, with millions of people in various countries voicing their concerns about the legitimacy and consequences of the war. #AntiWarProtests

⚖️ The legality of the invasion was also questioned, as the UN Security Council did not explicitly authorize the use of force against Iraq. #UNSC

🚀 The invasion began with a massive air campaign, followed by ground troops entering Iraq. The Iraqi military was quickly overwhelmed, and Baghdad fell on April 9, 2003. #BaghdadFalls

🗿 Saddam Hussein's regime was toppled, and he was captured on December 13, 2003, hiding in a "spider hole" near his hometown, Tikrit. #SaddamCaptured

🔍 Despite an extensive search, no weapons of mass destruction were found in Iraq, leading to criticism and questions about the true motives behind the invasion. #NoWMD

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿The conflict resulted in the deaths of approximately 4,500 US and coalition troops, and tens of thousands of Iraqi civilians, with estimates varying widely. #CasualtiesOfWar

🌪️ The invasion and its aftermath led to a power vacuum in Iraq, contributing to the rise of extremist groups such as ISIS and ongoing sectarian violence. #PowerVacuum

📈 The war cost an estimated $2 trillion, with long-term costs for veterans' healthcare and other expenses continuing to rise. #CostOfWar

🌐 The invasion had a profound impact on global politics, damaging the credibility of the US and UK and straining relations with other countries. #InternationalRelations

🕊️ Efforts to rebuild Iraq and establish a stable government have faced ongoing challenges, including corruption and sectarian divisions. #RebuildingIraq

🇮🇶 The Iraqi people have endured years of violence, displacement, and suffering since the invasion, with many still struggling to find stability and safety. #IraqiLives

🗣️ The invasion sparked a broader debate about the role of military intervention in promoting democracy and human rights. #MilitaryIntervention

🇦🇫 The 2003 invasion also impacted the ongoing war in Afghanistan, as resources and attention were diverted from the initial focus on dismantling the Taliban and al-Qaeda. #AfghanistanWar

🎞️ The Iraq War has been the subject of numerous films, documentaries, and books, reflecting on the complexities and consequences of the conflict. #IraqWarInMedia

🕯️ As we mark the 20th anniversary of the invasion, it is essential to remember the lives lost, the sacrifices made, and the lessons learned from this controversial and consequential conflict. #NeverForget

🌏 The 2003 Invasion of Iraq serves as a reminder of the importance of diplomacy, international cooperation, and the responsibility to protect the lives and well-being of people around the globe. #WorldPeace