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20012001
15 November: The first weekend after 9/11 the then US president, George Bush, meets his senior advisers at Camp David. The main discussion is of the “war on terror” and Afghanistan. But Donald Rumsfeld, the defence secretary, and Paul Wolfowitz, his deputy, also float the possibility of removing Saddam Hussein in Iraq. 15 September: The first weekend after 9/11 the then US president, George Bush, meets his senior advisers at Camp David. The main discussion is of the “war on terror” and Afghanistan. But Donald Rumsfeld, the defence secretary, and Paul Wolfowitz, his deputy, also float the possibility of removing Saddam Hussein in Iraq.
17 November: Bush signs a two-and-a-half page document authorising war in Afghanistan and directing the Pentagon to explore military options for an Iraq invasion.17 November: Bush signs a two-and-a-half page document authorising war in Afghanistan and directing the Pentagon to explore military options for an Iraq invasion.
21 November: According to Bob Woodward in Plan of Attack, Bush tells Rumsfeld: “Let’s get started on this.”21 November: According to Bob Woodward in Plan of Attack, Bush tells Rumsfeld: “Let’s get started on this.”
Early December: Top MI6 officer Mark Allen warns Downing Street of the dangers of invading Iraq.Early December: Top MI6 officer Mark Allen warns Downing Street of the dangers of invading Iraq.
28 December: General Tommy Franks briefs Bush on current Pentagon Iraq war planning.28 December: General Tommy Franks briefs Bush on current Pentagon Iraq war planning.
20022002
18 March: Sir David Manning, Tony Blair’s foreign policy adviser, writes to the prime minister confirming he has told Bush’s national security advisor, Condoleezza Rice, that “you would not budge in your support for regime change”.18 March: Sir David Manning, Tony Blair’s foreign policy adviser, writes to the prime minister confirming he has told Bush’s national security advisor, Condoleezza Rice, that “you would not budge in your support for regime change”.
March: Senior officials in Whitehall advise ministers that “regime change of itself” has “no basis in international law”.March: Senior officials in Whitehall advise ministers that “regime change of itself” has “no basis in international law”.
6 April: Blair visits Bush at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, where the two leaders discuss Iraq privately for two hours. Afterwards, Blair talks for the first time about regime change. Bush tells Trevor McDonald on ITV: “I made up my mind that Saddam needs to go.”6 April: Blair visits Bush at his ranch in Crawford, Texas, where the two leaders discuss Iraq privately for two hours. Afterwards, Blair talks for the first time about regime change. Bush tells Trevor McDonald on ITV: “I made up my mind that Saddam needs to go.”
Mid-July: At a meeting of ministers, the attorney general, Peter Goldsmith, confirms that getting authorisation for the use of force from the UN security council will be difficult.Mid-July: At a meeting of ministers, the attorney general, Peter Goldsmith, confirms that getting authorisation for the use of force from the UN security council will be difficult.
12 September: In a speech to the UN, Bush says world leaders must get tough with Iraq or stand aside as the US acts.12 September: In a speech to the UN, Bush says world leaders must get tough with Iraq or stand aside as the US acts.
16 September: Iraq announces weapons inspectors are welcome to return unconditionally after nearly four years.16 September: Iraq announces weapons inspectors are welcome to return unconditionally after nearly four years.
24 September: Britain publishes dossier saying Iraq could produce a nuclear weapon within one or two years if it obtains fissile material and other components from abroad. The dossier includes the notorious claim that Saddam can deploy weapons of mass destruction within 45 minutes.24 September: Britain publishes dossier saying Iraq could produce a nuclear weapon within one or two years if it obtains fissile material and other components from abroad. The dossier includes the notorious claim that Saddam can deploy weapons of mass destruction within 45 minutes.
8 November: The UN security council unanimously approves a US-drafted resolution aimed at getting Saddam to disarm, after eight weeks of negotiation. The resolution says Saddam will face “serious consequences” if he does not comply with weapons inspectors. France argues that UN resolution 1441 does not give the US and UK an automatic right to attack Iraq.8 November: The UN security council unanimously approves a US-drafted resolution aimed at getting Saddam to disarm, after eight weeks of negotiation. The resolution says Saddam will face “serious consequences” if he does not comply with weapons inspectors. France argues that UN resolution 1441 does not give the US and UK an automatic right to attack Iraq.
13 November: Iraq accepts UN resolution 1441 unconditionally while denying that it has any banned weapons programmes.13 November: Iraq accepts UN resolution 1441 unconditionally while denying that it has any banned weapons programmes.
18 November: The first UN weapons inspectors arrive in Baghdad.18 November: The first UN weapons inspectors arrive in Baghdad.
7 December: Iraq hands a 12,000-page declaration of its arms programmes to UN inspectors, a day before a deadline set by the UN resolution.7 December: Iraq hands a 12,000-page declaration of its arms programmes to UN inspectors, a day before a deadline set by the UN resolution.
18 December: Britain says a first assessment of Iraq’s weapons declaration to the UN shows it is not the “full and complete declaration” requested by the security council.18 December: Britain says a first assessment of Iraq’s weapons declaration to the UN shows it is not the “full and complete declaration” requested by the security council.
19 December: The chief UN weapons inspector, Hans Blix, says gaps remain in Iraq’s declaration, although it is cooperating well with the inspectors. The US ambassador, John Negroponte, says the omissions mean Iraq is in “material breach” of resolution 1441 and has “spurned its last opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations”.19 December: The chief UN weapons inspector, Hans Blix, says gaps remain in Iraq’s declaration, although it is cooperating well with the inspectors. The US ambassador, John Negroponte, says the omissions mean Iraq is in “material breach” of resolution 1441 and has “spurned its last opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations”.
20032003
9 January: Blix says his teams have so far found no “smoking gun” in Iraq but adds Baghdad has failed to answer many questions about its weapons programmes.9 January: Blix says his teams have so far found no “smoking gun” in Iraq but adds Baghdad has failed to answer many questions about its weapons programmes.
14 January: Bush says he is “sick and tired” of Iraq’s deception over its suspected weapons and warns time is running out for Baghdad to comply with UN demands to disarm.14 January: Bush says he is “sick and tired” of Iraq’s deception over its suspected weapons and warns time is running out for Baghdad to comply with UN demands to disarm.
16 January: Blix says UN inspectors have found illegally imported conventional arms materials in Iraq and only fuller cooperation with his team could avert the option of war.16 January: Blix says UN inspectors have found illegally imported conventional arms materials in Iraq and only fuller cooperation with his team could avert the option of war.
20 January: Iraq promises UN weapons experts more help and says it will form its own teams of inspectors to search for banned weapons after two days of talks with chief UN arms inspectors.20 January: Iraq promises UN weapons experts more help and says it will form its own teams of inspectors to search for banned weapons after two days of talks with chief UN arms inspectors.
27 January: Blix and fellow weapons inspector Mohamed ElBaradei, reporting to the UN security council, outline the gaps in information that Iraq should have delivered by now. But Blix says those gaps could not lead him to conclude Baghdad possessed prohibited arms.27 January: Blix and fellow weapons inspector Mohamed ElBaradei, reporting to the UN security council, outline the gaps in information that Iraq should have delivered by now. But Blix says those gaps could not lead him to conclude Baghdad possessed prohibited arms.
28 January: Britain declares Iraq in “material breach” of UN disarmament demands and says the chances of averting war are receding.28 January: Britain declares Iraq in “material breach” of UN disarmament demands and says the chances of averting war are receding.
31 January: Bush meets Blair at the White House where the prime minister presses for a new UN resolution authorising military force against Iraq, for British political reasons. Bush recalls to Bob Woodward that he told Blair: “If that’s what you need, we will go flat out to try and help you get it.”31 January: Bush meets Blair at the White House where the prime minister presses for a new UN resolution authorising military force against Iraq, for British political reasons. Bush recalls to Bob Woodward that he told Blair: “If that’s what you need, we will go flat out to try and help you get it.”
5 February: The US secretary of state, Colin Powell, addresses the UN security council, laying out what he says is evidence of Iraq’s ongoing weapons of mass destruction programmes. He says: “How much longer are we willing to put up with Iraq’s noncompliance before we, as a council, we, as the United Nations, say: ‘Enough. Enough.’”5 February: The US secretary of state, Colin Powell, addresses the UN security council, laying out what he says is evidence of Iraq’s ongoing weapons of mass destruction programmes. He says: “How much longer are we willing to put up with Iraq’s noncompliance before we, as a council, we, as the United Nations, say: ‘Enough. Enough.’”
11 February: Lord Goldsmith meets John Bellinger, a legal adviser to White House, in Washington. Bellinger reportedly says of the meeting: “We had trouble with your attorney. We got him there eventually.”11 February: Lord Goldsmith meets John Bellinger, a legal adviser to White House, in Washington. Bellinger reportedly says of the meeting: “We had trouble with your attorney. We got him there eventually.”
14 February: Blix tells the security council his team has not found any weapons of mass destruction and interviews with scientists have been useful. The French foreign minister, Dominique de Villepin, draws rare applause from security council colleagues when he says weapons inspections “are producing results” and there was no justification yet for war.14 February: Blix tells the security council his team has not found any weapons of mass destruction and interviews with scientists have been useful. The French foreign minister, Dominique de Villepin, draws rare applause from security council colleagues when he says weapons inspections “are producing results” and there was no justification yet for war.
15 February: About 2 million people march against the impending war, in the biggest demonstration of its kind.15 February: About 2 million people march against the impending war, in the biggest demonstration of its kind.
23 February: Blair tells MPs they were giving “Saddam one further final chance to disarm voluntarily”.23 February: Blair tells MPs they were giving “Saddam one further final chance to disarm voluntarily”.
24 February: Blix delivers a list of about 30 unresolved questions about Iraqi disarmament in preparation for his report. Washington, London and Madrid introduce new draft resolution declaring Iraq has squandered its final opportunity to disarm. A French counter-proposal, endorsed by Germany and Russia, calls for more UN inspections.24 February: Blix delivers a list of about 30 unresolved questions about Iraqi disarmament in preparation for his report. Washington, London and Madrid introduce new draft resolution declaring Iraq has squandered its final opportunity to disarm. A French counter-proposal, endorsed by Germany and Russia, calls for more UN inspections.
27 February: Security council members open discussion of the US-British-Spanish draft that lays the groundwork for war.27 February: Security council members open discussion of the US-British-Spanish draft that lays the groundwork for war.
28 February: Iraq says it will obey UN orders to destroy its al-Samoud 2 missiles, drawing reactions that underscore the deep rift in the security council.28 February: Iraq says it will obey UN orders to destroy its al-Samoud 2 missiles, drawing reactions that underscore the deep rift in the security council.
1 March: Iraq crushes four al-Samoud 2 missiles, meeting a UN deadline to begin a destruction programme.1 March: Iraq crushes four al-Samoud 2 missiles, meeting a UN deadline to begin a destruction programme.
5 March: The foreign ministers of France, Russia and Germany release a joint declaration stating that they will not allow a resolution authorising military action to pass the UN security council. The hardening stance from the anti-war bloc increases the pressure on the US and Britain to compromise on their draft UN resolution.5 March: The foreign ministers of France, Russia and Germany release a joint declaration stating that they will not allow a resolution authorising military action to pass the UN security council. The hardening stance from the anti-war bloc increases the pressure on the US and Britain to compromise on their draft UN resolution.
7 March: Blix delivers a new report to the UN security council saying Baghdad has made some progress on disarmament recently but has still not cleared up key questions about chemical and biological weapons programmes. The US, Britain and Spain present a revised draft resolution giving Hussein an ultimatum to disarm by 17 March or face the possibility of war. France, heading opposition to any US-led rush to war, says it could not accept the 17 March ultimatum. Goldsmith produces an early draft of his legal advice, equivocating on whether an invasion of Iraq was legal without a second UN resolution. This advice, not publicly known at the time, was revealed in 2005. Goldsmith warned Blair: “I remain of the opinion that the safest legal course would be to secure the adoption of a further resolution to authorise the use of force.” He also said: “We would need to be able to demonstrate hard evidence of [Iraqi] non-compliance and non-cooperation.”7 March: Blix delivers a new report to the UN security council saying Baghdad has made some progress on disarmament recently but has still not cleared up key questions about chemical and biological weapons programmes. The US, Britain and Spain present a revised draft resolution giving Hussein an ultimatum to disarm by 17 March or face the possibility of war. France, heading opposition to any US-led rush to war, says it could not accept the 17 March ultimatum. Goldsmith produces an early draft of his legal advice, equivocating on whether an invasion of Iraq was legal without a second UN resolution. This advice, not publicly known at the time, was revealed in 2005. Goldsmith warned Blair: “I remain of the opinion that the safest legal course would be to secure the adoption of a further resolution to authorise the use of force.” He also said: “We would need to be able to demonstrate hard evidence of [Iraqi] non-compliance and non-cooperation.”
10 March: Britain announces “six key tests” for Iraq to comply to if it is to avoid war, including Hussein making a TV address admitting having weapons of mass destruction. The idea galvanises some diplomatic support but not enough to suggest the US/UK could win a second UN resolution effectively authorising an attack.10 March: Britain announces “six key tests” for Iraq to comply to if it is to avoid war, including Hussein making a TV address admitting having weapons of mass destruction. The idea galvanises some diplomatic support but not enough to suggest the US/UK could win a second UN resolution effectively authorising an attack.
13 March: Philippe Sands reveals in Lawless World that Charles Falconer and Sally Morgan met Goldsmith in Downing Street to discuss the legality of war. The attorney general then “communicated” his clearer view that war would be legal without a second resolution.13 March: Philippe Sands reveals in Lawless World that Charles Falconer and Sally Morgan met Goldsmith in Downing Street to discuss the legality of war. The attorney general then “communicated” his clearer view that war would be legal without a second resolution.
14 March: The French president, Jacques Chirac, removes any lingering doubts about France’s intentions on Iraq, confirming to Blair in a brief phone call that France is willing to seek a compromise on disarming Saddam but would not accept any UN resolution that set an ultimatum.14 March: The French president, Jacques Chirac, removes any lingering doubts about France’s intentions on Iraq, confirming to Blair in a brief phone call that France is willing to seek a compromise on disarming Saddam but would not accept any UN resolution that set an ultimatum.
17 March: The US, Britain and Spain abandon efforts to get international endorsement for war. Bush later gives Saddam 48 hours to leave the country. Goldsmith gives his legal advice to the cabinet. Clare Short later claims she was not informed at the meeting that he had changed his view. Unusually, a summary of Goldsmith’s advice is published arguing that the war is legal without a second resolution based on a decade of non-compliance by Saddam. The leader of the Commons, Robin Cook, resigns in protest at the government’s decision to back a war without “international authority nor domestic support”.17 March: The US, Britain and Spain abandon efforts to get international endorsement for war. Bush later gives Saddam 48 hours to leave the country. Goldsmith gives his legal advice to the cabinet. Clare Short later claims she was not informed at the meeting that he had changed his view. Unusually, a summary of Goldsmith’s advice is published arguing that the war is legal without a second resolution based on a decade of non-compliance by Saddam. The leader of the Commons, Robin Cook, resigns in protest at the government’s decision to back a war without “international authority nor domestic support”.
18 March: Commons vote on the war. The prime minister says: “The UN should be the focus both of diplomacy and of action … [and that not to take military action] would do more damage in the long term to the UN than any other single course that we could pursue.” Yet it appears that Blair was committed to war since at least January 2003: the will of the UN was irrelevant.18 March: Commons vote on the war. The prime minister says: “The UN should be the focus both of diplomacy and of action … [and that not to take military action] would do more damage in the long term to the UN than any other single course that we could pursue.” Yet it appears that Blair was committed to war since at least January 2003: the will of the UN was irrelevant.
20 March: The war begins. US and UK forces move into southern Iraq and launch land, air and sea assaults.20 March: The war begins. US and UK forces move into southern Iraq and launch land, air and sea assaults.
4 April: Following a series of rapid advances across Iraq, US forces seize Baghdad’s international airport. Saddam appears live on Iraqi TV.4 April: Following a series of rapid advances across Iraq, US forces seize Baghdad’s international airport. Saddam appears live on Iraqi TV.
9 April: US marines advance through the east of Baghdad to the banks of the Tigris. An Iraqi crowd and marines demolish a Saddam statue on live TV as crowds loot government buildings. The cities of Kirkuk, Mosul and Tikrit fall soon after.9 April: US marines advance through the east of Baghdad to the banks of the Tigris. An Iraqi crowd and marines demolish a Saddam statue on live TV as crowds loot government buildings. The cities of Kirkuk, Mosul and Tikrit fall soon after.
May: Bush gives his “mission accomplished” speech after landing in a small plane on a US aircraft carrier in the Pacific ocean. He declares that major combat has ended. Paul Bremer, a veteran US ambassador, is appointed Iraq’s civil administrator and charged with supervising the transition to democracy.May: Bush gives his “mission accomplished” speech after landing in a small plane on a US aircraft carrier in the Pacific ocean. He declares that major combat has ended. Paul Bremer, a veteran US ambassador, is appointed Iraq’s civil administrator and charged with supervising the transition to democracy.
December: Saddam is captured after being found hiding underground at a farm near his home town, Tikrit. He apparently surrendered without a fight.December: Saddam is captured after being found hiding underground at a farm near his home town, Tikrit. He apparently surrendered without a fight.
20042004
February: A suicide bomber kills at least 100 people at the offices of Kurdish political parties in Irbil during the Eid celebrations.February: A suicide bomber kills at least 100 people at the offices of Kurdish political parties in Irbil during the Eid celebrations.
March: Four civilian contractors working for the US army are murdered and their mutilated bodies are dragged through the streets of Falluja.March: Four civilian contractors working for the US army are murdered and their mutilated bodies are dragged through the streets of Falluja.
April: An international outcry is sparked by the revelation of photos showing US guards abusing and humiliating naked Iraqi prisoners at the Abu Ghraib prison.April: An international outcry is sparked by the revelation of photos showing US guards abusing and humiliating naked Iraqi prisoners at the Abu Ghraib prison.
May: A video released online shows the beheading of Nick Berg, a US civilian held by militants who say they are avenging the abuse of Iraqi prisoners. Ayad Allawi, a secularist Shia politician in exile until the fall of Saddam, is unanimously voted in as prime minister of Iraq’s interim government.May: A video released online shows the beheading of Nick Berg, a US civilian held by militants who say they are avenging the abuse of Iraqi prisoners. Ayad Allawi, a secularist Shia politician in exile until the fall of Saddam, is unanimously voted in as prime minister of Iraq’s interim government.
July: A defiant and unrepentant Saddam makes his first appearance in court on charges of war crimes and genocide.July: A defiant and unrepentant Saddam makes his first appearance in court on charges of war crimes and genocide.
December: In the deadliest single attack on US forces since the invasion, 19 soldiers are killed when a huge explosion rips apart a mess tent at a base in Mosul.December: In the deadliest single attack on US forces since the invasion, 19 soldiers are killed when a huge explosion rips apart a mess tent at a base in Mosul.
20052005
January: Millions vote in the first multi-party elections for 50 years. A series of attacks across the country kill at least 36 people.January: Millions vote in the first multi-party elections for 50 years. A series of attacks across the country kill at least 36 people.
April: Jalal Talabani, a Kurdish politician, former guerrilla leader and co-founder of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, is sworn in as president of Iraq, reportedly upsetting Saddam, who watched the televised election.April: Jalal Talabani, a Kurdish politician, former guerrilla leader and co-founder of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, is sworn in as president of Iraq, reportedly upsetting Saddam, who watched the televised election.
September: Lynndie England, a US private who is pictured holding a naked Iraqi prisoner on a leash at Abu Ghraib, is sentenced to three years in jail by a military court.September: Lynndie England, a US private who is pictured holding a naked Iraqi prisoner on a leash at Abu Ghraib, is sentenced to three years in jail by a military court.
20062006
January: The Shia-led United Iraqi Alliance is announced as the winner of elections for a full-term government.January: The Shia-led United Iraqi Alliance is announced as the winner of elections for a full-term government.
February: A famous gold dome at the sacred Shia al-Askari shrine in Samarra is blown up, prompting fears of reprisal attacks. Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the most senior Shia cleric in Iraq, sends instructions to his followers forbidding any attacks on Sunni mosques and calls for seven days of mourning.February: A famous gold dome at the sacred Shia al-Askari shrine in Samarra is blown up, prompting fears of reprisal attacks. Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the most senior Shia cleric in Iraq, sends instructions to his followers forbidding any attacks on Sunni mosques and calls for seven days of mourning.
April: Nouri al-Maliki is named prime minister after Ibrahim al-Jaafari, Iraq’s first full-term postwar prime minister, is forced out for being ineffective.April: Nouri al-Maliki is named prime minister after Ibrahim al-Jaafari, Iraq’s first full-term postwar prime minister, is forced out for being ineffective.
June: Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is killed in a US airstrike near Baquba. He had a $25m bounty on his head.June: Abu Musab al-Zarqawi is killed in a US airstrike near Baquba. He had a $25m bounty on his head.
December: Saddam is executed at the Khadamiyah intelligence centre in Baghdad. Mobile phone footage emerges of him being taunted at the gallows.December: Saddam is executed at the Khadamiyah intelligence centre in Baghdad. Mobile phone footage emerges of him being taunted at the gallows.
20072007
August: More than 400 people are killed as four suicide bombers detonate cars in two villages occupied by Yazidi Kurds in northern Iraq.August: More than 400 people are killed as four suicide bombers detonate cars in two villages occupied by Yazidi Kurds in northern Iraq.
September: Guards from the US private security contractor Blackwater allegedly open fire on civilians in Baghdad, killing 17. An inquiry into the incident by the Iraqi government later rejects the company’s claim that the US diplomatic convoy it had been guarding was bombed and ambushed, provoking the gunfire.September: Guards from the US private security contractor Blackwater allegedly open fire on civilians in Baghdad, killing 17. An inquiry into the incident by the Iraqi government later rejects the company’s claim that the US diplomatic convoy it had been guarding was bombed and ambushed, provoking the gunfire.
December: British forces formally hand over control of Basra to the Iraqi government in a move paving the way for a major reduction in the number of British troops in Iraq.December: British forces formally hand over control of Basra to the Iraqi government in a move paving the way for a major reduction in the number of British troops in Iraq.
20082008
January: A motion is passed by the Iraqi parliament allowing former officials from Saddam’s Ba’ath party to return to public life.January: A motion is passed by the Iraqi parliament allowing former officials from Saddam’s Ba’ath party to return to public life.
February: Thousands of Turkish troops are sent across the border into northern Iraq in a major ground offensive against the Kurdish PKK rebel forces.February: Thousands of Turkish troops are sent across the border into northern Iraq in a major ground offensive against the Kurdish PKK rebel forces.
March: A roadside bomb, followed by a suicide bomb, kills 68 people at a busy shopping area in the centre of Baghdad, the second deadliest attack of the year thus far.March: A roadside bomb, followed by a suicide bomb, kills 68 people at a busy shopping area in the centre of Baghdad, the second deadliest attack of the year thus far.
April: The defence secretary, Des Browne, says a final British troop withdrawal has been postponed after fierce fighting between Iraqi security forces and Shia militia.April: The defence secretary, Des Browne, says a final British troop withdrawal has been postponed after fierce fighting between Iraqi security forces and Shia militia.
December: A senior defence source claims the last British soldiers will leave Basra by June 2009 and will be replaced by US troops.December: A senior defence source claims the last British soldiers will leave Basra by June 2009 and will be replaced by US troops.
20092009
January: The new US embassy in Baghdad, one of the largest and most expensive ever built, is officially opened amid heavy security.January: The new US embassy in Baghdad, one of the largest and most expensive ever built, is officially opened amid heavy security.
March: The newly inaugurated US president, Barack Obama, announces the withdrawal of 12,000 US troops by the end of August 2010. Up to 50,000 will stay on until the end of 2011 to advise Iraqi forces and protect US interests.March: The newly inaugurated US president, Barack Obama, announces the withdrawal of 12,000 US troops by the end of August 2010. Up to 50,000 will stay on until the end of 2011 to advise Iraqi forces and protect US interests.
April: Parliament appoints Ayad al-Samarrai, of the Sunni Arab Alliance, as speaker. The post is reserved for Sunni Arabs by agreement among political leaders. Britain officially ends combat operations in southern Iraq, handing over control of its base in Basra to US forces.April: Parliament appoints Ayad al-Samarrai, of the Sunni Arab Alliance, as speaker. The post is reserved for Sunni Arabs by agreement among political leaders. Britain officially ends combat operations in southern Iraq, handing over control of its base in Basra to US forces.
June: US troops withdraw from Iraqi cities, leaving Iraqi forces in control of security.June: US troops withdraw from Iraqi cities, leaving Iraqi forces in control of security.
July: The first independent inquiry into the Iraq war, chaired by Sir John Chilcot, opens in London.July: The first independent inquiry into the Iraq war, chaired by Sir John Chilcot, opens in London.
October: Maliki announces the formation of a new political grouping of 40 parties, called the State of Law, after a split in the broad Shia United Iraqi Alliance that won the 2005 elections.October: Maliki announces the formation of a new political grouping of 40 parties, called the State of Law, after a split in the broad Shia United Iraqi Alliance that won the 2005 elections.
20102010
January: Ali Hassan al-Majid, better known as Chemical Ali, is executed for crimes against humanity in Iraq’s highest profile execution since Hussein’s hanging.January: Ali Hassan al-Majid, better known as Chemical Ali, is executed for crimes against humanity in Iraq’s highest profile execution since Hussein’s hanging.
March: More than 60% of Iraqis vote in parliamentary elections.March: More than 60% of Iraqis vote in parliamentary elections.
May: Former prime minister Allawi, head of the Iraqiya Alliance, is the surprise winner of the election, but his 91 seats are insufficient to form a government. Talks begin between Allawi and Maliki on forming a new government.May: Former prime minister Allawi, head of the Iraqiya Alliance, is the surprise winner of the election, but his 91 seats are insufficient to form a government. Talks begin between Allawi and Maliki on forming a new government.
August: Tariq Aziz, Saddam’s former foreign minister, accuses Obama of “leaving Iraq to the wolves” by pressing ahead with a withdrawal of combat troops. Iraq’s most senior commander, Lt Gen Babakir Zebari, warns that the army is not ready to take over responsibility from the Americans for another decade. Iraq’s two main political blocs suspend talks on forming a government. US combat troops leave Iraq.August: Tariq Aziz, Saddam’s former foreign minister, accuses Obama of “leaving Iraq to the wolves” by pressing ahead with a withdrawal of combat troops. Iraq’s most senior commander, Lt Gen Babakir Zebari, warns that the army is not ready to take over responsibility from the Americans for another decade. Iraq’s two main political blocs suspend talks on forming a government. US combat troops leave Iraq.
20112011
18 December: US troops complete their withdrawal.18 December: US troops complete their withdrawal.
19 December: Iraq issues an arrest warrant for Sunni vice-president Tariq al-Hashimi on anti-terror charges, sparking a political crisis.19 December: Iraq issues an arrest warrant for Sunni vice-president Tariq al-Hashimi on anti-terror charges, sparking a political crisis.
20122012
23 December: Major protests start, particularly in the Sunni province of Anbar, demanding Maliki’s departure.23 December: Major protests start, particularly in the Sunni province of Anbar, demanding Maliki’s departure.
20132013
23 April: Clashes in Hawija in northern Iraq between security forces and anti-government protesters allegedly infiltrated by militants kill more than 240 people in a week.23 April: Clashes in Hawija in northern Iraq between security forces and anti-government protesters allegedly infiltrated by militants kill more than 240 people in a week.
10 August: More than 70 people are killed in attacks at the end of Ramadan, claimed by the powerful jihadi Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, a group that becomes known as Islamic State. According to the NGO Iraq Body Count, 2013 was the deadliest year since 2008, with 9,475 civilians killed.10 August: More than 70 people are killed in attacks at the end of Ramadan, claimed by the powerful jihadi Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, a group that becomes known as Islamic State. According to the NGO Iraq Body Count, 2013 was the deadliest year since 2008, with 9,475 civilians killed.
20142014
2 - 4 January: Iraq loses control of Falluja and parts of Ramadi in Anbar province to al-Qaida-linked fighters after security forces cleared an anti-government protest camp. The UN estimates nearly 500,000 Iraqis flee the fighting in subsequent months.2 - 4 January: Iraq loses control of Falluja and parts of Ramadi in Anbar province to al-Qaida-linked fighters after security forces cleared an anti-government protest camp. The UN estimates nearly 500,000 Iraqis flee the fighting in subsequent months.
30 April: Maliki wins the most seats in the first general election since US troops departed, but his State of Law alliance falls short of an overall majority.30 April: Maliki wins the most seats in the first general election since US troops departed, but his State of Law alliance falls short of an overall majority.
28 May: A post-election wave of nationwide attacks kills at least 74 people.28 May: A post-election wave of nationwide attacks kills at least 74 people.
June - September: Sunni rebels led by Isis surge out of Anbar province to seize Iraq’s second city of Mosul and other key towns. Tens of thousands flee amid atrocities. Kurdish forces, US and Iran assist government in repelling attacks.June - September: Sunni rebels led by Isis surge out of Anbar province to seize Iraq’s second city of Mosul and other key towns. Tens of thousands flee amid atrocities. Kurdish forces, US and Iran assist government in repelling attacks.
September: Shia politician Haider al-Abadi forms a broad-based government including Sunni Arabs and Kurds. Kurdish leadership agrees to put an independence referendum on hold. The US announces a new forward strategy against Isis and carries out air raids in support of the Iraqi army near Baghdad. An international conference in Paris, including 10 Sunni Arab states but excluding Iran and Syria, agrees to support the strategy.September: Shia politician Haider al-Abadi forms a broad-based government including Sunni Arabs and Kurds. Kurdish leadership agrees to put an independence referendum on hold. The US announces a new forward strategy against Isis and carries out air raids in support of the Iraqi army near Baghdad. An international conference in Paris, including 10 Sunni Arab states but excluding Iran and Syria, agrees to support the strategy.
December: The Iraqi government and the leadership of the Kurdish region sign a deal on sharing Iraq’s oil wealth and military resources amid hopes that the agreement will help to reunite the country in the face of the common threat represented by Isis.December: The Iraqi government and the leadership of the Kurdish region sign a deal on sharing Iraq’s oil wealth and military resources amid hopes that the agreement will help to reunite the country in the face of the common threat represented by Isis.
20152015
March: Isis destroys the Assyrian archaeological sites of Nimrud and Hatra.March: Isis destroys the Assyrian archaeological sites of Nimrud and Hatra.
April: Government forces reoccupy Tikrit and drive out Isis following a month-long siege.April: Government forces reoccupy Tikrit and drive out Isis following a month-long siege.
May: Isis captures Ramadi, the capital of the western province of Anbar, in a lightning assault.May: Isis captures Ramadi, the capital of the western province of Anbar, in a lightning assault.
July: The Iraqi army launches offensive to re-take Anbar province.July: The Iraqi army launches offensive to re-take Anbar province.
August: Parliament approves reforms to cut corruption and sectarian government job quotas after riots against frequent power cuts.August: Parliament approves reforms to cut corruption and sectarian government job quotas after riots against frequent power cuts.
December: Government forces recapture central Ramadi.December: Government forces recapture central Ramadi.
20162016
February: Government troops expel last remaining Isis fighters from the Ramadi area. Isis forces withdraw to Falluja. Radical Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr leads a mass demonstration in Baghdad in protest at government corruption and the slow rate of progress in delivering on promised reforms.February: Government troops expel last remaining Isis fighters from the Ramadi area. Isis forces withdraw to Falluja. Radical Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr leads a mass demonstration in Baghdad in protest at government corruption and the slow rate of progress in delivering on promised reforms.
March: The Iraqi army launches offensive to re-take Mosul from Isis, but it soon peters out.March: The Iraqi army launches offensive to re-take Mosul from Isis, but it soon peters out.
April: Supporters of Sadr storm a parliament building demanding new government to fight corruption and end allocation of government posts along sectarian lines.April: Supporters of Sadr storm a parliament building demanding new government to fight corruption and end allocation of government posts along sectarian lines.
May: Army and Shia militias launch offensive to retake Falluja from Isis.May: Army and Shia militias launch offensive to retake Falluja from Isis.
June: Iraqi forces retake Falluja. The city is destroyed and deserted, with burnt-out cars and debris.June: Iraqi forces retake Falluja. The city is destroyed and deserted, with burnt-out cars and debris.