A cumulative explanation of America's current presence in Iraq.
Created by hweinberger on Jun 10, 2008
Last updated: 03/12/10 at 02:48 AM
After fruitless lobbying, Bush and the UK decide to ignore the UN and give Saddam their own ultimatum: leave Iraq within 48 hours or risk warfare.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/03/20030317-7.html
Iraq begins to destroy the illegally designed Al Samoud 2 missiles.
The US, UK and Spain petition the UN, saying that the Iraqi dismissal of Res. 1441 substantiates a use of military force.
Hans Blix determines that Iraq must destroy the Al Samoud 2 missiles because of their questionable range and abilities, in accordance with UN restrictions.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/2756987.stm
Powell makes a case for the presence of Iraqi WMD's and states that Iraq's failure to comply with Resolution 1441, regarding disarmament agreements, is an inexcusable act.
http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/02/05/sprj.irq.powell.transcript/index.html
In his speech, Bush-
1. decides that "the leaders of the FBI, the CIA, the Homeland Security, and the Department of Defense [would] develop a Terrorist Threat Integration Center, to merge and analyze all threat information in a single location".
2. states that, "The course of this nation does not depend on the decisions of others...If Saddam Hussein does not fully disarm, for the safety of our people and for the peace of the world, we will lead a coalition to disarm him"
Resolved: That a UN Charter for War is not integral to commencement of war.
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/01/20030128-19.html
Blix's team discovers a set of 11 undeclared warheads. This prompts believers in WMD theory to push even harder for war.
Iraq agrees to comply with all points of Res. 1441 without conditions.
The acceptance of the resolution permits Blix and his team to go to Iraq. Blix later reveals that he was not able to find any traces of WMD throughout his very thorough search.
http://www.iraqwatch.org/government/Iraq/INA/iraq-ina-replyto1441-111302.htm
The Security Council passes 1441, a document detailing the importance of Iraqi disarmament and terms for intensified arms inspection. Most importantly, the document gives Iraq "a final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations under relevant resolutions of the Council... the Council has repeatedly warned Iraq that it will face serious consequences as a result of its continued violations of its obligations".
Ultimately, the resolution states that if Iraq does not comply, measures will be taken against the country.
http://www.state.gov/p/nea/rls/15016.htm
The Senate voes 77 to 23 in favor of giving Bush the ability to use military force against Iraq.
Bush addresses the UN, saying that he would be willing to attack Iraq with or without UN support.
The United States and the UN request an inspection of Iraqi weaponry, which is adamantly denied.
The Department of Homeland Security was created so that all potential dangers may be dealt with by one comprehensive, government-run unit.
http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/history/publication_0015.shtm
Bush celebrates the success enjoyed in Afghanistan, but emphasizes that "our war on terror is only beginning".
http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/01/20020129-11.html
The United States goes to war against the Taliban. The USA and the UK launch the 'Enduring Freedom' offensive in response to September 11th, in order to capture Bin Laden, eradicate the Taliban, and destroy Al Qaeda.
Two airplanes crashed into the Twin Towers, while one crashed into the Pentagon and one crashed in in a rural area of Pennsylvania. This prompted mass hysteria and an investigation into the terrorist actions. Analysts determined that the Islamic Fundamentalist group Al Qaeda was instrumental in the attacks, which killed almost 2,800 people. Bush immediately sanctioned the Enduring Freedom Offensive.
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