March 19, 2008 marks the five year anniversary of the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.
The Iraq War began in 2003 with the U.S. overthrow of the Ba'athist regime led by Saddam Hussein.
Five years later, in March 2008, the United States continues a rebuilding mission in the country, facing harsh criticism from the world and at home. Some military commanders predict that the war is, at best, reaching its mid-point even as candidates in the 2008 Presidential Election promise rapid withdrawal.
A USA TODAY/Gallup poll conducted in anticipation of the war's fifth anniversary, found that 6 in every 10 Americans opposes the war, but are deeply divided as to whether the U.S. government should withdraw troops immediately or over an extended period of time.
Fast Facts:
- Over 3,998 United States fatalities
- Estimates range from over 40,000 Iraqi deaths to over 1,000,000
- Total cost over $500 billion
- Currently 155,000 United States troops in Iraq
Timeline:
- March 19, 2003: War begins
- December 13, 2003: Saddam Hussein captured
- January 10, 2007: President George W. Bush announces plans to send 4600 additional troops to Iraq
- January 8, 2008: Operation Phantom Phoenix launched to hunt down 200 remaining al Qaeda extremists in Diyala province
- March 11, 2008: Admirial William Fallon resigns from post as Chief of U.S. forces in Middle East and Central Asia
