Part 9/11:
Once military operations commenced, the initial triumph of swiftly toppling Saddam Hussein was overshadowed by the ensuing chaos and humanitarian crisis. The absence of credible post-invasion planning led to destabilization across Iraq and the broader region. The anticipated weapons of mass destruction were never found, causing considerable backlash against the narrative that had justified the invasion.
In the aftermath, the long-term consequences unleashed waves of violence, sectarian strife, and loss of life. It changed the political landscape in Iraq and bred distrust towards U.S. foreign policy. The war eventually dragged on for years, leading to significant American casualties and a tarnished global reputation for the United States.