Iraq's Challenge

Top Stories

Iraq: A country in shambles

Seven years after sieges, Fallujah struggles

Rivals say Maliki leading Iraq to 'civil war'

US veteran questions rationale of Iraq war

Last US combat troops leave Iraq

Facts and Figures

Timeline 2002-2011: Notable events in Iraq

Al Jazeera takes a look at nine years of US military presence in Iraq, with links to news stories from the outset.

Death toll: Occupation in Iraq

It has been nearly impossible to determine exact civilian casualty figures during and after the US invasion.

Financial Cost: Eight years in Iraq

The war in Iraq has cost US taxpayers more than $800bn since the start of the 2003 invasion.

Troop numbers: Foreign soldiers in Iraq

There were still about 13,000 American troops in Iraq, as foreign forces readied for complete withdrawal by year's end.

Featured

Tareq Ayoub: a 'martyr to the truth'

As American troops pull out of Iraq, Dima Tahboub, widow of Al Jazeera reporter killed in Baghdad, talks about her loss.

Colin Powell regrets Iraq war intelligence

Former US secretary of state says information he provided leading to the invasion of Iraq is a "blot" on his record.

Obama: Full Iraq withdrawal by Christmas

Right-wing politicians are lambasting Obama for his decision to withdraw all troops from Iraq by the end of 2011.

Baghdad blast 'targeted Iraq prime minister'

Military says Monday's attack in the Green Zone might have been bid to kill Nouri al-Maliki or another top politician.

More News

Kidnapping stokes fears in Iraqi Kurdistan Despite relative safety and prosperity of semi-autonomous northern region, some ethnic minorities want the US to remain. By Ben Piven	'We are happy that US forces have left Iraq' Iraqis from across the country express their opinions about the US military withdrawal. By Abdul-Ilah As-Saadi	Uncertainty looms large in Iraq as US leaves Security fears, shaky politics and stagnant economy have Iraqis concerned about the future of their country. By Gregg Carlstrom
US soldiers welcomed home from Iraq As US operations in Iraq draw to a close, military families are being reunited as troops return home. By	Iraq war: Predictions vs. reality Al Jazeera looks back at the promises and predictions that were made by Washington nine years ago. By	US forces mark end of Iraq mission After nearly nine years, low-key ceremony near Baghdad marks end of war that began with invasion to topple Saddam. By
Iraqi PM in US to chart future relations Nouri al-Maliki and Barack Obama discuss post-withdrawal relationship, as NATO announces plans to end its Iraq mission. By	US 'abandons' plans to keep troops in Iraq Senior official suggests troops will leave Iraq by end of year deadline, but White House and Pentagon play down remarks. By	Iraq denies immunity for US troops after 2011 Baghdad says US military trainers are needed past December 31, but will not allow them to be above the law. By
US hands over main base in Iraq Pullout of troops from Victory Base Complex marks a milestone in full withdrawal from Iraq. By	US-Iraq "legal immunity" deadlock Countries' officials differ about protections for US troops following the US pull-out by December. By	Deadly triple bombing strikes Iraq oil hub At least eight people killed and dozens wounded in southern city of Basra as violence continues ahead of US withdrawal. By
Iraq makes first payment for US F-16s Country to buy 18 fighter jets worth about $3 billion from US in deal which involves training of Iraqi pilots. By	US urges 'quick Iraq decision' on troop stay Mullen says his forces must be given immunity from prosecution as Baghdad politicians hold talks on US withdrawal. By	Iraq's al-Sadr suspends attacks on US forces Shia leader says military operations will only resume if US troops in Iraq fail to pull out in time. By
Power shortage scorches Iraq summer Residents resort to many different measures to keep cool with access to few hours of electricity a day. By	Abu Ghraib abuse ringleader released Charles Graner Jr set free after serving six and a half years of a 10-year sentence. By	Iraq hit by series of fatal bombings At least 15 killed and 20 others wounded in explosions in Baghdad and near Abu Ghraib, according to Iraqi officials. By
Iraq attacks target security personnel At least 13 killed in Baghdad, Kirkuk, Mosul and elsewhere. By	Long-suppressed Shias shape new Iraq Persecuted by Saddam Hussein, Iraq's Shia population is increasingly influencing the political and religious landscape. By	Iraq's Kurds fear border disputes As the departure of US troops looms, Iraq's Kurds fear conflict unless territory issues are resolved. By
Deaths in Iraq attacks Two car bombs strike Mosul and gunmen attack school teacher in a village outside of Tikrit. By	Iraq blast hits French embassy convoy Seven people wounded as roadside bomb strikes vehicle near ambassador's residence in Baghdad. By	Deadly blasts hit Baghdad neighbourhood At least 23 people killed and another 100 wounded in Iraqi capital as bombs appear to target Shia mosque and a market. By

Ending the Occupation

Since 2003, American troops have had a constant presence in Iraq. Some 45,000 were still on the ground earlier this year, but in compliance with a security pact, they had to withdraw by December 31, 2011.

Al Jazeera takes a look at the state of affairs in Iraq and how the lives of ordinary Iraqis have been affected during the last eight years.

Infographic

Click for Infographic: US ends Iraq war chapter

Interactive

Interactive: A map of violence

Showcase: Read selected reports

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Secret Iraq Files

In Pictures: Iraq war

Opinion