In a dramatic three-week campaign beginning March 20, 2003, U.S. and British forces (with several other countries in a coalition) destroyed the Iraqi army, defeating Saddam Hussein's regime. Over the next few months, former regime members, along with some armed anti-american forces from outside Iraq, started a long and bitter armed resistance. Although the war itself had been conducted with fewer than 120 Americans killed in action, deaths following May 1 among occupying U.S. troops exceeded that number by fall 2003. Iraq War covers all the background material necessary to understand the circumstances surrounding this particular military undertaking. It explains how, in a dramatic three-week campaign, American and British forces (together with nominal support from several other countries in a coalition) destroyed the Iraqi army and defeated the regime of Saddam Hussein. The compelling narrative describes such later events as the capture of Saddam Hussein by U.S. forces while also addressing the aftermath of the military campaign and the continuing unrest in the country. An important and timely resource for middle and high school readers, Iraq War explores the history of the region as well as the recent events leading up to and culminating in this war.

Shock and awe -- The Middle East situation -- Saddam Hussein, the Baath Party, and weapons of mass destruction -- The Persian Gulf War of 1991 -- September 11, Afghanistan, and Iraq -- Weapons inspections -- UN debates and reluctant friends -- Americans at war: week 1 -- The home front -- The tides of war: week 2 -- Battling past Baghdad -- Restoring order -- Aftermath.