The Occupation of Iraq and Insurgency

The overthrow of Saddam Hussein took just three weeks, but the occupation of Iraq that followed became a prolonged and bloody conflict. Poor planning, political mistakes, and a growing insurgency turned what was supposed to be a quick liberation into a years-long quagmire. This lesson examines the occupation and the insurgency that plagued it.

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The Post-Invasion Chaos

After the fall of Baghdad in April 2003, Iraq descended into chaos. The occupying forces were unprepared for what followed.

Problem	Detail
Looting	Widespread looting and destruction across Iraq; government buildings, museums, and hospitals stripped bare
Baghdad Museum	Thousands of irreplaceable artefacts from ancient Mesopotamian civilisation were looted
Infrastructure collapse	Electricity, water, and sewage systems broke down
Law and order	Police and security forces dissolved; crime surged
Donald Rumsfeld's response	The US Defense Secretary dismissed the chaos: "Stuff happens... freedom's untidy"