Perspective Podcast - March 22, 2013
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In this edition of Perspective...
10 Years Since the Start of the Iraq War
The First Days of Fighting
On the evening of March 20th, 2003, President George W. Bush announced the opening stages of what he called a "broad and concerted campaign" in Iraq. The US led an assault on Baghdad with contributing fighting forces from Britain and Australia. Here now are the sounds from the first days of the conflict.
The First Cavalry
In the weeks of fighting that followed the initial assault, much of Baghdad came under American control. Iraqis took to the streets to topple statues of Saddam Hussein. Then on May 1st, President Bush spoke from the deck of an air craft carrier beneath a banner reading "Mission Accomplished." But the fighting continued in Iraq, and ABC News Chief Global Affairs Correspondent Martha Raddatz spent a lot of time with one unit who saw a great deal of action, the First Cavalry, which suffered many losses during the fighting.
Operation Red Dawn
Iraq's most wanted fugitive was arrested in December of 2003. The US Army's 4th Infantry found Saddam Hussein hiding in a spider hole and captured him without firing a single shot.
Abu Ghraib
In April of 2004, disturbing news and even more disturbing photos emerged from Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. The infamous torture and execution center during Saddam's reign was made infamous anew, by a small band of Americans who took pictures as they abused prisoners. Here's ABC's John Donvan.
Executing Saddam Hussein
In October of 2005, Saddam Hussein stood trial in Baghdad. In his defiant testimony, he would not recognize the court's authority, calling it a pawn of the American aggressors. That was one of two trials he would face before being hanged in December of 2006. A cell phone video of his execution emerged, showing the former dictator being taunted by guards before his death. ABC's Chris Bury has the details.
Donald Rumsfeld Resigns
Democrats took control of the House and Senate in the 2006 elections. They won for a lot of reasons, but many say the main reason was the war in Iraq. Just hours after the results of the mid-term elections were in, President Bush announced one of the key architects of the war would be stepping down. ABC's Ann Compton reports from the White House.
The Halfway Point
In 2007 we saw an increased American presence in Iraq ... an attempt to tone down the violence. By the end of that year, many believed the surge had been successful. But it was also a deadly year for our men and women serving there. ABC's Aaron Katersky reports.
Announcing the Withdrawal
In 20-10 President Obama announced it was time to turn the page on the Iraq War. He declared an end to combat operations and spoke of the sacrifices of US troops and their families. Here's ABC's Terry Moran.
Ending Combat Operations
Though official combat operations were over, 50-thousand US troops were still in Iraq as 20-10 neared its end. But questions remained about whether Iraqi forces were ready to take over the job of securing their country. More from ABC's Dan Harris.
The Last Troops Leave
In December of 20-11, United States forces declared a formal end to operations in Iraq during a ceremony in Baghdad. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta thanked more than a million American service members for the progress made since 2003 but he acknowledged that severe challenges still face the struggling democracy. ABC News Chief Global Affairs Correspondent Martha Raddatz was there when the last troops left Iraq.
By the Numbers
Bob Woodruff was one of the many ABC News correspondents who traveled to Iraq and reported on the conflict facing our troops. He now brings us an account of the toll and the progress of that war.
Remembering the War
A decade since the start of the Iraq War, former US Army Vice Chief of Staff Peter Chiarelli still has a hard time talking about the soldiers he lost during the war. ABC News Chief Global Correspondent Martha Raddatz sat down with Chiarelli to discuss the war and the men and women who died in the conflict.
Host: Cheri Preston
Producer: Colin Tipton
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