I am a professional with a deep understanding of military history and international relations. When it comes to the war in Iraq, it is crucial to recognize that there were multiple phases and a complex set of actors involved.

The conflict in Iraq can be broadly divided into two major phases: the initial invasion and the subsequent occupation and insurgency period. The first phase, as you've mentioned, was a conventional war that took place in March-April 2003. This was led primarily by the United States and the United Kingdom, with support from a coalition of the willing, which included several other nations such as Australia, Poland, and Denmark, among others. The coalition forces were comprised of a diverse array of military units, including ground troops, air support, and naval forces. The primary goal of this phase was to topple the regime of Saddam Hussein, which was accused of possessing weapons of mass destruction and having links to terrorist organizations, allegations that were later found to be unsubstantiated.

The United States played the most significant role, deploying a large number of its military personnel, including the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force. The British Armed Forces also contributed significantly, with their own ground and air units. Other countries like Australia sent a Special Forces Task Group and naval support, Poland provided a divisional command and support elements, and Denmark contributed with a naval task group.

In addition to these, there were smaller contingents from countries such as Spain, Italy, and Japan, which provided various forms of support, including logistical and humanitarian assistance. The Netherlands and South Korea also had military police units involved in the operation.

Following the rapid defeat of the Iraqi military, the situation transitioned into a phase of occupation and insurgency. During this period, the coalition forces faced resistance from various groups, including remnants of the Ba'athist regime, Sunni insurgents, and later, Shia militias. Over time, the conflict saw the involvement of additional actors such as Iran, which was accused of supporting certain Shia militias, and Al-Qaeda in Iraq, which later evolved into the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

It is also important to note that the invasion and subsequent events were met with significant opposition around the world, leading to widespread anti-war protests and the formation of various peacekeeping and humanitarian organizations that sought to provide aid and support to the Iraqi people.

In summary, the war in Iraq involved a complex array of actors, with the United States and the United Kingdom at the forefront, supported by a coalition of other nations. The conflict saw a transition from a conventional war to a prolonged period of occupation and insurgency, with various internal and external forces playing a role in the ongoing conflict.

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The first of these was a brief, conventionally fought war in March-CApril 2003, in which a combined force of troops from the United States and Great Britain (with smaller contingents from several other countries) invaded Iraq and rapidly defeated Iraqi military and paramilitary forces.read more >>