The spelling of "Iraq War" consists of two phonemes, /aɪ/ and /ræk/. The first phoneme is pronounced as the "ai" sound in "bait." The second phoneme is pronounced as a combination of the "r" and "a" sounds, with the stress on the second syllable. The correct spelling is important for conveying information accurately, as well as for demonstrating good language skills in written communication. The Iraq War, which took place from 2003 to 2011, was a significant event in world affairs.
The Iraq War refers to the armed conflict that occurred between 2003 and 2011, primarily instigated by the United States-led coalition against the nation of Iraq. The military campaign was initiated under the justification of eliminating perceived threats posed by the regime of Saddam Hussein, who was accused of possessing weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and supporting terrorism. The war began on March 20, 2003, when a massive invasion force composed of troops from the United States, along with its allies, launched a pre-emptive strike known as Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The Iraq War can be divided into different phases. Initially, the invasion removed Saddam Hussein from power and led to the capture of key cities like Baghdad. However, the subsequent aftermath of the operation faced significant challenges, including sectarian violence, insurgency, and a deteriorating security situation. The prolonged conflict resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, including both military personnel and civilians, and the displacement of millions of Iraqis.
The war also had broader geopolitical implications, as it strained relations between various nations involved, led to significant public debate, and had wide-ranging consequences for the region. Ultimately, the withdrawal of major combat forces occurred in 2010, and by the end of 2011, all U.S. military forces had been officially withdrawn from Iraq. The Iraq War remains a highly controversial and polarizing event, as opinions differ on the justifications and consequences surrounding the conflict.
The term "Iraq War" refers to the conflict that began in 2003 when a coalition led by the United States invaded Iraq. As for the etymology of the term, it is a compound word composed of "Iraq" and "war".
"Iraq" is derived from the Arabic word "ʿIrāq" (عراق), which is believed to come from "ʿaraqa" (عرق) in the ancient Aramaic language. "ʿaraqa" means "to be aqueducted" or "to irrigate", referring to the fertile land between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, known as Mesopotamia, where Iraq is located.