2003 Invasion of Iraq

This article covers invasion specifics. For general information see: Iraq War, Post-invasion Iraq.

Political and diplomatic aspects

In his March 17, 2003 address to the nation, U.S. President George W. Bush demanded that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and his two sons Uday and Qusay leave Iraq, giving them a 48-hour deadline http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/03/iraq/20030317-7.html. This demand was rejected http://www.globalpolicy.org/security/issues/iraq/attack/2003/0318iraqreject.htm.

Related Topics:
March 17 - 2003 - U.S. President - George W. Bush - Saddam Hussein - Uday - Qusay - Iraq

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Since the invasion began without the explicit approval of the United Nations Security Council, some legal authorities regard it as a violation of the U.N. Charter. United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said in September 2004, "From our point of view and the U.N. charter point of view, it was illegal." http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A25685-2004Sep16.html There have been no formal charges under international law.

Related Topics:
United Nations Security Council - U.N. Charter - United Nations Secretary-General - Kofi Annan

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