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Operation Iraqi Freedom
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Crime of the Century:

Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003)

Date:        March 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Historical Context        1

Saddam's Early Life and Education        1

Saddam's Rise to Power (1963-1979)        2

Iran-Iraq War (1980-88)        4

First Gulf War (1990-91)        4

International Sanctions        5

Society Under Saddam Hussein        6

U.S. Invasion to Topple Saddam        8

Selling the War        9

Operation: Iraqi Freedom        10

"Mission: Accomplished"        11

ISIS born in US prisons        12

US takes fight to ISIS        13

Quoted in a 2004 New Yorker article by journalist Seymour Hersh, an anonymous Bush administration official said:

"We're an empire now, and when we act, we create our own reality. And while you're studying that reality—judiciously, as you will—we'll act again, creating other new realities, which you can study too, and that's how things will sort out. We're history's actors. And you, all of you, will be left to just study what we do."

Historical Context

Saddam Hussein's rise to power was marked by his strategic maneuvering within the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party. He played key roles in two coups, which ultimately led to the party's control of Iraq. To consolidate power and support, he pursued economic development, created a personality cult, and suppressed the opposition, both within the party and among the broader population.

As dictator, Saddam's early years were characterized by aggressive foreign policy and continued domestic repression, particularly targeting minority groups like the Kurds and the Shia population.

Saddam's Early Life and Education

Saddam Hussein was born in spring of 1937 in a small village that is now about a 2.5 hour drive north of Baghdad. Saddam's brother and father both died of cancer before he was born. These deaths made Saddam's mother so depressed that she attempted to abort her pregnancy and commit suicide. She "would have nothing to do with him." Hiis new stepfather treated him harshly, and (according to a psychological profile created by the CIA) beat him regularly, sometimes to wake him up.

Around the age of 10, Saddam fled the family and returned to live in Baghdad with his uncle, who became a fatherly figure to Saddam. Under the guidance of his uncle, he attended a nationalistic school in Baghdad. Despite his poor academic performance, Saddam was a clever and ambitious student who quickly became involved in the nationalist movement against British rule in Iraq.

After high school, Saddam studied at an Iraqi law school for three years, dropping out in 1957 (age 20) to join the revolutionary pan-Arab Ba'ath Party, which his uncle supported. During this time, Saddam apparently worked as a high school teacher. That same year, Saddam was arrested for his involvement in a failed assassination attempt on the Iraqi Prime Minister. He spent six months in prison, where he was reportedly tortured, before being released.

Saddam's Rise to Power (1963-1979)

In 1963, the Ba'ath Party, which Saddam Hussein was a member of, carried out a coup against the government of Iraq led by Abdul Karim Qasim. Saddam Hussein played a significant role in the planning and execution of the coup.

At the time, Saddam was a leading member of the Ba'ath Party's Baghdad branch and had been appointed to oversee the party's military operations. He was responsible for recruiting soldiers and organizing the armed wing of the party, known as the National Guard.

On February 8, 1963, the Ba'ath Party launched a coordinated attack on government buildings in Baghdad. Saddam Hussein was in charge of the attack on the Ministry of Defense, which he successfully seized control of. The coup was successful, and Qasim was overthrown. Saddam Hussein played a key role in consolidating the Ba'ath Party's power after the coup. He was appointed as the Deputy Chairman of the Revolutionary Command Council (RCC), the ruling body of the country, and became the de facto second-in-command to the new Prime Minister, Ahmad Hassan al-Bakr.

The 1963 coup was the beginning of Saddam Hussein's rise to power in Iraq, and it set the stage for his eventual ascent to the presidency in 1979.

Saddam Hussein created a personality cult, which played a significant role in consolidating his power and control over Iraq. The cult of personality was a systematic effort to portray Saddam as a larger-than-life figure, a savior of the nation, and an indispensable leader. The following factors contributed to the establishment and perpetuation of his personality cult:

The personality cult was designed to and did solidify Saddam Hussein's grip on power, as it generated a sense of awe and fear among the populace, discouraging dissent and opposition.

Iran-Iraq War (1980-88)

In September 1980, Iraq invaded Iran. It was not out of the blue, as there were ongoing disputes between the nations. Iran had undergone Islamic revolution the year before. Iraq was led by Sunni socialist Baath party man Saddam Hussein. During the Iran-Iraq War, the US provided military and intelligence support to Iraq, in order to counter Iran's revolutionary Shiite government. Saddam was seen as a bulwark against Iranian expansionism, and the US government saw Iraq as a useful ally in the region.

Afterward, Saddam was saddled with wartime debt owed to Kuwait and other small, oil rich nations in the neighborhood. Saddam blamed Kuwait for suppressing the price of oil, exacerbating Iraq's economic troubles (including ability to pay the debt), and stealing Iraqi oil (Rumaila oil field). Saddam Hussein argued the debts should be forgiven or reduced, but Kuwait refused to comply.

First Gulf War (1990-91)

In July 1990, Saddam began building up troops and equipment along his southern border with Kuwait. On August 2, Iraq invaded Kuwait, quickly overwhelming the Kuwaiti military, and occupying the country. The invasion was met with international condemnation. The UN imposed economic sanctions on Iraq, attempting to force its withdrawal from Kuwait. The sanctions included a ban on trade and financial transactions with Iraq, a freeze on Iraq's assets abroad, and restrictions on the import of military and other goods.

Five months later, on January 17, the United States launched Operation: Desert Storm. The mission was to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait. Success was quick and decisive, and Kuwait was liberated by the ceasefire declared on February 28, 1991.

The goals of ODS were focused on reversing Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. While the coalition forces did engage in fighting against Iraqi forces, the objective was not to demilitarize Iraq or to cripple its military. Nor was the goal to remove Saddam Hussein from power (although there was criticism and concern from some US officials and allies about his leadership and actions). The objectives of ODS were clearly defined, focused on reversing the aggression against Kuwait, and they did not include broader goals related to Iraq's governance or military capabilities.

International Sanctions

The United States became increasingly concerned about Iraq's military buildup, including its acquisition of weapons of mass destruction. This led to growing calls for international sanctions and inspections of Iraq's weapons programs.

Key points on sanctions:

The Iraqi government largely refused to comply with the UN's demands. The sanctions, along with the economic devastation of the Gulf War, severely weakened Iraq's economy and left the government struggling to provide basic services and maintain its infrastructure. The government was unable to import many goods and services, including military and dual-use items, which limited its ability to maintain and develop its military capabilities.

The sanctions had a devastating impact on the Iraqi people, particularly in the 1990s when the sanctions were most severe. The sanctions regime led to shortages of food, medicine, and other essential goods, and the Iraqi people faced a humanitarian crisis. The sanctions also led to a breakdown in the country's healthcare system, with many hospitals and clinics lacking basic supplies and equipment. The sanctions disproportionately affected the most vulnerable members of Iraqi society, including children, the elderly, and the poor.

The sanctions against Iraq had a profound impact on the country, contributing to economic stagnation, political instability, and social upheaval. The sanctions regime also contributed to the international isolation of Iraq, with many countries unwilling to engage with the Iraqi government. The sanctions are widely believed to have contributed to the rise of anti-Western sentiment in Iraq, which in turn fueled support for Saddam Hussein's government. And despite the sanctions, Saddam Hussein's government was able to maintain its grip on power.

Society Under Saddam Hussein

There were several layers of government officials, party members, and military leaders who held significant power and influence. The Ba'ath Party was largely composed of Sunni Muslims, and members of this group held much of the political and economic power in Iraq. The government under Saddam Hussein was also characterized by corruption and cronyism, with government officials and their families often benefiting from their positions of power.

In addition to the political elite, there were also wealthy business people and landowners who held significant economic power in Iraq. Many of these individuals were connected to the government or the Ba'ath Party, and they were able to accumulate significant wealth and influence through their connections.

While there was a ruling class or elite under Saddam Hussein's government, it is important to note that the vast majority of Iraqis did not belong to this group and did not enjoy the same level of power or privilege. The regime was characterized by authoritarianism and repression, and many Iraqis suffered from poverty, discrimination, and human rights abuses under Saddam Hussein's rule.

Throughout his rule, Saddam Hussein portrayed himself as a defender of Iraq against external threats, particularly from Iran and the United States. Saddam Hussein pursued a policy of militarization, investing heavily in the military and acquiring weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in an effort to deter foreign intervention.

Saddam Hussein also prioritized the promotion of Arab nationalism, which he saw as a way to unify the Arab world and resist Western imperialism. Saddam Hussein presented himself as a leader of the Arab world and supported other Arab nationalist movements in the region.

Saddam Hussein also focused on economic development, particularly in the early years of his rule. The government invested in infrastructure projects and social programs, including education and healthcare, in an effort to modernize the country and improve the lives of Iraqis.

Finally, Saddam Hussein and his inner circle also prioritized their own personal enrichment and the accumulation of wealth and power. The regime was characterized by corruption and cronyism, with government officials and their families often benefiting from their positions of power.

The regime was characterized by authoritarianism, repression, and corruption, and many Iraqis suffered from poverty, discrimination, and human rights abuses under Saddam Hussein's rule.

The government implemented a nationwide literacy campaign in the 1980s, which helped to increase literacy rates among the population. The government also provided free education to all Iraqis, including primary, secondary, and tertiary education. The education system under Saddam Hussein's government was criticized for its ideological indoctrination and lack of academic freedom, but it did provide many Iraqis with access to education that they may not have had otherwise.

The government implemented a universal healthcare system in Iraq, which provided free healthcare to all citizens. The government also built hospitals and clinics throughout the country, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access was limited. The healthcare system under Saddam Hussein's government was criticized for its poor quality and lack of resources, but it did provide many Iraqis with access to basic healthcare services.

U.S. Invasion to Topple Saddam

"To confound the designs of evil men" [1]

The war drums for Iraq first began to beat on the day of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Paul Wolfowitz was in an end-of-the-world "continuity of government" Appalachian mountain bunker thinking about Iraq, while the rest of the world watched the Twin Towers collapse on cable television. Later that same week, at Camp David, Wolfwowitz suggested to the president a full-scale war against Saddam's regime.

Despite the fact that there was no evidence connecting Saddam Hussein with Al Qaeda, things steadily picked up pace.

Selling the War

War against Iraq had to be sold to the American public. After all, they would foot the bill. It would be their kids and neighbors (all volunteers) who actually fought the war on behalf of the Bush administration. Our government exists, and its legitimacy rests, on the consent of the governed. But see Noam Chomsky, Manufacturing Consent.[2]

Bush made the case for war against Saddam in his 2002 and 2003 state of the union addresses. He brought the pro-war messaging machine to the American people during the 2002 midterm elections.

During a fundraising event in Houston on September 26, 2002, President George Bush II made a striking comment that suggested a personal motivation for his focus on Iraq and Saddam Hussein. He mentioned that the Iraqi dictator had attempted to assassinate his father, former President George Bush, in 1993.

"There's no doubt his hatred is mainly directed at us. There's no doubt he can't stand us. After all, this is the guy that tried to kill my dad at one time."

This comment referred to an alleged plot by the Iraqi government to assassinate George Bush I during his visit to Kuwait in April 1993. The plot was foiled, and in response, President Clinton ordered a missile strike against Iraqi intelligence headquarters (June 1993).

While the comment was not a central part of George W. Bush's campaign trail rhetoric, it did reveal a questionable personal dimension to his focus on Saddam Hussein and Iraq.

The war also had to be sold to the international community, because, technically, an aggressive war waged unilaterally is against international law. Colin Powell was the one principal in the Bush administration who doubted the "intelligence" on WMDs, doubting the war was a smart move. But he didn't speak up with the president about his doubts, and he went along with their plan for him to present the case for war to the United Nations Security Council. Other leaders in the administration knew Powell was the best person to make their case to the United Nations. He had credibility (while their case had none).

Opening Salvo

The opening salvo of Operation Iraqi Freedom can be divided into three phases:

1. Initial Airstrikes and "Decapitation Strike." Before the full-scale invasion, U.S. and coalition forces launched a series of airstrikes targeting key military installations, communication systems, and command and control centers across Iraq.

The campaign began with a "decapitation strike" on March 20, 2003 (5:30 a.m. local time), aimed at eliminating Saddam Hussein and his top leadership. This strike was based on intelligence suggesting that Saddam and his sons were present at a bunker in the outskirts of Baghdad. The strike ultimately failed to kill Saddam, and doubts later emerged about the accuracy of the intelligence.

2. Ground Invasion. The main ground invasion began on March 20, 2003, with U.S. and coalition forces set up in Kuwait for an advance toward Baghdad. The invading force consisted of approximately 300,000 troops, primarily from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. The ground invasion had two main axes of advance:

The Northern Front: U.S. and coalition Special Forces, alongside Kurdish Peshmerga fighters, began operations in northern Iraq to secure key cities, oil infrastructure, and target the Iraqi military units.

The Southern Front: The bulk of the invading force, led by the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division and the U.S. Marine Corps pushed northward from Kuwait, capturing key cities such as Basra, Nasiriyah, and Najaf along the way. The British 7th Armoured Brigade, also known as the "Desert Rats," focused on securing the port city of Umm Qasr and the southern city of Basra.

3. Shock and Awe. Upon invading the country, the U.S. launched an intense bombing campaign, known as "shock and awe," aimed at overwhelming the Iraqi military and government, causing disarray and hastening the collapse of the regime. The bombing targeted key military and government infrastructure, including the presidential palace, Ba'ath Party headquarters, and the main Iraqi television station. The campaign involved the use of advanced precision-guided munitions, as well as cruise missiles launched from both ships and B-52 bombers.

Death of Saddam's Sons

Uday and Qusay Hussein were killed in a gun battle with US forces on July 22, 2003, in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul. The two men were hiding in a safehouse when they were discovered by US forces. A four-hour firefight ensued, during which Uday and Qusay were killed, along with their nephew Mustafa and a bodyguard.

The deaths of Uday and Qusay were a major victory for US forces in the Iraq War. The two men were seen as key figures in the Iraqi government and their deaths were a significant blow to the Saddam Hussein regime. The deaths of Uday and Qusay were also a major victory for the Iraqi people. The two men were widely feared and hated for their brutality and corruption. Their deaths were seen as a sign that the Iraqi people were finally free from the Hussein regime. [Google's Bard espousing Bush-era propaganda]

Uday and Qusay Hussein, Saddam Hussein's sons, were killed during an American military operation conducted on July 22, 2003, in the city of Mosul, Iraq. The operation originally intended to apprehend them, but turned into a four-hour gun battle outside a fortified safehouse which ended with the death of the brothers, Qusay's son Mustafa, and a bodyguard, Abdul Samad al-Hadushi.

At 1:00 PM, three hours into the operation, ten TOW missiles were fired at the house from Humvee-mounted launchers. The resulting explosion reduced much of the safehouse to rubble. At 1:21 PM, several American soldiers entered the ruined house to search for survivors. They found Uday and Qusay dead. As the team advanced up the stairs to the building's second floor, Qusay's 14-year-old son Mustafa, taking cover in a bedroom, opened fire on the soldiers with an AK-47, but was killed instantly by return fire.

The deaths of Uday and Qusay were a major blow to the Iraqi government and a morale boost for the American-led coalition. They were also seen as a symbol of the end of the Saddam Hussein regime.

"Mission: Accomplished"

Less than two months later, on May 1, 2003, George Bush II delivered the "Mission Accomplished" speech aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. Bush landed on the aircraft carrier, which was floating off San Diego, in a jet aircraft wearing a flight suit. The backdrop of the speech included a large banner with the words "Mission Accomplished" prominently displayed, which later became a symbol of controversy and criticism.

In his speech, President Bush declared that "major combat operations in Iraq have ended" and that "the United States and our allies have prevailed." He praised the American troops for their courage and dedication and stated that they had "removed an ally of al Qaeda" and "the grip of a dictator."

Although the speech was initially well-received, it became a subject of controversy as the situation in Iraq deteriorated in the following months and years. The insurgency intensified, sectarian violence escalated, and the U.S. military presence in Iraq continued for years, with the last U.S. troops withdrawing in December 2011. In later years, President Bush acknowledged that the "Mission Accomplished" banner was a mistake and that he would have done things differently if given the chance.

ISIS born in US prisons

While it is not accurate to say that ISIS was born in the cells of American prisons, it is true that some key figures in the organization were once held in detention facilities run by the United States during the occupation of Iraq. The most notable example is the Camp Bucca detention center, where many former members of Saddam Hussein's military and Ba'ath Party were detained.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the former leader of ISIS, was held at Camp Bucca for several months in 2004. During his time at the detention center, it is believed that he may have forged connections with other detainees who would later become influential members of ISIS. The environment in these detention centers, where various radicals, disenchanted former regime members, and more moderate detainees were held together, may have facilitated the exchange of ideas and the formation of new alliances.

The rise of ISIS can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the power vacuum created by the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the disbandment of the Iraqi military, the marginalization of the Sunni population by the post-invasion Shiite-led government, and the ongoing conflict in neighboring Syria. While the U.S. detention centers in Iraq might have played a role in fostering connections between some future ISIS members, it would be an oversimplification to claim that ISIS was born in the cells of American prisons.

US takes fight to ISIS

Emergence of ISIS (2010-2013)

ISIS gains territory and declares a caliphate (2013-2014)

U.S. intervention and the formation of an international coalition (2014)

Counteroffensive against ISIS and loss of territory (2015-2017)

Final push against ISIS and territorial defeat (2018-2019)

Ongoing counterterrorism efforts and ISIS insurgency (2019-present)

This outline provides a broad overview of the timeline and key events in the U.S. war against ISIS. The conflict remains ongoing, with efforts to counter the group's remaining cells and prevent a resurgence in Iraq and Syria.

[1] President George W. Bush, January 28, 2003.

[2] Manufacturing Consent is a book written by Noam Chomsky and Edward Herman that explores how the mass media in democratic societies manipulate public opinion by shaping the information that is presented to the public.

The central thesis of the book is that the mass media function as a system of propaganda, largely controlled by elite interests, that creates a "necessary illusion" of a democratic society while serving the interests of the powerful. The term "manufacturing consent" refers to the process by which this illusion is created and maintained.

Chomsky and Herman argue that this process is achieved through a series of filters that shape the news and information that is presented to the public. These filters include the size, ownership, and profit orientation of the mass media; the advertising industry; the sourcing of news and information; and the political and economic interests of the government and other elite groups.

Through these filters, the mass media creates a distorted view of reality that serves the interests of the powerful while marginalizing alternative views and dissenting voices. This process is further reinforced by the creation of a "spectrum of debate" in which only a narrow range of views are considered legitimate, while more radical or critical perspectives are excluded.

Chomsky and Herman argue that this system of propaganda is not a conspiracy, but rather the natural outcome of a capitalist system in which the mass media are controlled by profit-seeking corporations and elite interests. The book has been influential in shaping critical perspectives on the role of the mass media in contemporary society and in promoting alternative models of media ownership and control.