The United States invaded Iraq in 2003 primarily because it claimed that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and represented a threat to international peace and security. The US also aimed to remove Saddam Hussein from power, disrupt alleged ties between Iraq and terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda, and promote a transition to democratic governance in Iraq. These justifications were coupled with concerns about Iraq's noncompliance with United Nations resolutions on disarmament and its repression of its own people. After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Bush administration adopted a security-focused approach under the Bush Doctrine that justified preventive war to remove perceived threats before they could materialize. More specifically, the US-led coalition sought to:
- End Saddam Hussein's regime.
- Identify and eliminate Iraq's supposed WMD programs.
- Capture and expel terrorists alleged to be in Iraq.
- Secure oil fields and resources.
- Facilitate conditions for democratic self-government in Iraq.
Despite these claims, many countries and the UN Security Council did not support immediate military action, favoring further weapons inspections, but the US proceeded with the invasion citing the unacceptable threat of WMDs and terrorism. Later investigations showed that Iraq did not have an active WMD program at the time of the invasion. The invasion was also interpreted by some scholars as a move to maintain US strategic dominance and influence in the Middle East after 9/11. This reasoning reflects multiple layers of motivation, including national security, regime change, counterterrorism, and geopolitical influence.
