12. The Iraq War (2003-2011)
Initiated in March 2003, the Iraq War aimed to eliminate alleged weapons of mass destruction and depose Saddam Hussein’s regime. The swift invasion led to the fall of Baghdad and the capture of Hussein. However, the subsequent occupation faced intense insurgency and sectarian violence, leading to debates over the war’s justification and execution. The conflict concluded with the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops in December 2011. (britannica.com)
