George Walker Bush Biography

Birth of George Walker Bush

The US backed coalition defeats Ortegas Sandanista Government

Bush an Yeltsin cap the first day of their Washington summit by announcing their countries had agreed to slash their long-range nuclear arsenals by two-thirds

Bush an Yeltsin sign an arms reduction agreement, Yeltsin pledges to find American prisoners of war still held in Russia

Elected Governor of Texas, narrowly defeats Al Gore

Appointed Governor of Texas

The United States Republican Party's campaign platform in the US presidential election, 2000 called for "full implementation" of the Iraq Liberation Act and removal of Hussein

The United States Republican Party's campaign platform in the US presidential election, 2000 called for "full implementation" of the Iraq Liberation Act and removal of Hussein

The United States Republican Party's campaign platform in the US presidential election, 2000 called for "full implementation" of the Iraq Liberation Act and removal of Hussein

Al Gore admits defeat to George Bush

Letters containing anthrax are sent to the US Senate

Appointed President of the USA, 43rd President

President Bush pledges to help Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion

President Bush pledges to help Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion

President Bush pledges to help Taiwan in the event of a Chinese invasion

A report by CIA accuses Iran of having one of the worlds most active programmes to acquire nuclear weapons

A report by CIA accuses Iran of having one of the world's most active programmes to acquire nuclear weapons

A report by CIA accuses Iran of having one of the worlds most active programmes to acquire nuclear weapons

A report by CIA accuses Iran of having one of the world's most active programmes to acquire nuclear weapons

A report by CIA accuses Iran of having one of the worlds most active programmes to acquire nuclear weapons

Al-Qaeda hijack aeroplanes & destroy the Twin Towers, nearly 3,000 are killed

Bush vows to "lead the world to victory" over terrorism

Bush leads 4 former presidents for national prayer at the National Cathedral

Bush declares a national emergency

Pakistan agrees to support the US in any invasion of Afghanistan

Pakistan agrees to support the US in any invasion of Afghanistan

The Federal Reserve cuts interest rates to help prevent a recession

The Federal Reserve cuts interest rates to help prevent a recession

After 9/11 the phrase "Bush Doctrine" described the policy that the United States had the right to secure itself against countries that harbor or give aid to terrorist groups, which was used to justify the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan.

Bush declared that any nation continuing to harbour or support terrorism would be regarded by the United States as a hostile regime.

Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make. Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.

George Walker Bush announces the doctrine of pre-emptive military action, later termed the Bush Doctrine.

President Bush makes an an aggressive restatement of this principle in his address to a Joint Session of Congress, "We will pursue nations that provide aid or safe haven to terrorism.

Shortly after 11 September 2001 (on 20 September), Bush addressed a joint session of Congress (simulcast live to the world), and announced his new "War on Terror".

The "Bush Doctrine" phrase was first used by Charles Krauthammer in June 2001 to describe the Bush Administrations "unilaterally withdrawing from the ABM Treaty and rejecting the Kyoto protocol.

This announcement was accompanied by the doctrine of "pre-emptive" military action, later termed the Bush Doctrine.

President Bush addresses a joint session of the US Congress (which was simulcast live to the world), and announces his new "War on Terrorism". Announces the doctrine of pre-emptive military action, later termed the Bush Doctrine

George Walker Bush announces the doctrine of pre-emptive military action, later termed the Bush Doctrine.

President Bush addresses a joint session of the US Congress (which was simulcast live to the world), and announces his new "War on Terrorism."

Shortly after 11 September 2001 (on 20 September), Bush addressed a joint session of Congress (simulcast live to the world), and announced his new "War on Terror."

This announcement was accompanied by the doctrine of "pre-emptive" military action, later termed the Bush Doctrine.

The officially-stated purpose of the invasion is to target al-Qaeda members, and to punish the Taliban Government in Afghanistan which had provided support and haven to al-Qaeda. Begins in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the US, marking the beginning of its War on Terrorism campaign, seeking to oust the Taliban and find al-Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden

The US military name of the conflict is Operation Enduring Freedom

Begins in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the US, marking the beginning of its War on Terrorism campaign, seeking to oust the Taliban and find al-Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden.

The US military name of the conflict is Operation Enduring Freedom.

The officially-stated purpose of the invasion is to target al-Qaeda members, and to punish the Taliban Government in Afghanistan which had provided support and haven to al-Qaeda.

The officially-stated purpose of the invasion is to target al-Qaeda members, and to punish the Taliban Government in Afghanistan which had provided support and haven to al-Qaeda. Begins in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the US, marking the beginning of its War on Terrorism campaign, seeking to oust the Taliban and find al-Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden

Begins in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the US, marking the beginning of its War on Terrorism campaign, seeking to oust the Taliban and find al-Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden

American and British forces begin an aerial bombing campaign targeting Taliban forces and al-Qaeda, strikes were reported in the capital, Kabul

American and British forces begin an aerial bombing campaign targeting Taliban forces and al-Qaeda, strikes were reported in the capital, Kabul

American and British forces begin an aerial bombing campaign targeting Taliban forces and al-Qaeda, strikes were reported in the capital, Kabul

Says Osama bin Laden is trying to get chemical, biological and nuclear weapons

Says Osama bin Laden is trying to get chemical, biological and nuclear weapons

Says Osama bin Laden is trying to get chemical, biological and nuclear weapons

Tells the United Nations General Assembly the time has come to act against global terrorism

Taliban forces leave Kabul

Taliban forces leave Kabul

Taliban forces leave Kabul

Taliban forces leave Kabul

Taliban forces leave Kabul

The Taliban are forced back to their heartland in southeastern Afghanistan around Kandahar

The Taliban are forced back to their heartland in southeastern Afghanistan around Kandahar

Taliban fighters holding out in Konduz finally surrender and are herded into the Qala-e-Jangi prison complex near Mazar-I-Sharif

Taliban fighters holding out in Konduz finally surrender and are herded into the Qala-e-Jangi prison complex near Mazar-I-Sharif

The United Nations Security Council had issued Resolution 1333 directed towards the Taliban demanding that the Taliban turn over bin Laden to the United States or a third country

The United Nations Security Council had issued Resolution 1333 directed towards the Taliban demanding that the Taliban turn over bin Laden to the United States or a third country

The United Nations Security Council had issued Resolution 1333 directed towards the Taliban demanding that the Taliban turn over bin Laden to the United States or a third country

Frames Iraq policy around disarmament, United Nations pressure and possible allied military action against Saddam Hussein's regime.

Both the US ambassador to the UN, John Negroponte, and the UK ambassador, Jeremy Greenstock, publicly confirmed the reading of the resolution, assuring that Resolution 1441 provided no "automaticity" or "hidden triggers" for an invasion.

Bush to "strictly enforce through the U. N.

The Bush administration briefly used the term Coalition of the Willing to refer to the countries who supported, militarily or verbally, the military action in Iraq and subsequent military presence in post-invasion Iraq since 2003.

Visiting Europe for a NATO summit, Bush declares that, "should Iraqi President Saddam Hussein choose not to disarm, the United States will lead a coalition of the willing to disarm him".

threat posed by Iraq; and enforce all relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions regarding Iraq".

The 2002 decision by the Bush Administration to withdraw from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty all but kills START III

The 1st al-Qaeda prisoners arrive at Guantanamo Bay

The 1st al-Qaeda prisoners arrive at Guantanamo Bay

President George Bush, in his State of the Union address, describes Iran, Iraq and North Korea as an "axis of evil"

President George Bush, in his State of the Union address, describes Iran, Iraq and North Korea as an "axis of evil"

Calls for two states and Palestinian institutional reform as the basis for renewed Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts.

Links American support for Palestinian statehood to democratic leadership, security reform, and peaceful coexistence with Israel.

States that the United States will support a Palestinian state if Palestinian institutions are reformed and terrorism ends.

Calls for two states and Palestinian institutional reform.

CIA assessments on Iraqi weapons influence the case for war.

CIA assessments on Iraqi weapons influence the case for war.

The Act strengthens corporate financial reporting, auditing and executive accountability.

UN Security Council members France and Russia made clear that they did not consider these consequences to include the use of force to overthrow the Iraqi Government

UN Resolution 1441 gives Iraq "a final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations" and set up inspections by the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Both the US ambassador to the UN, John Negroponte, and the UK ambassador, Jeremy Greenstock, publicly confirmed the reading of the resolution, assuring that Resolution 1441 provided no "automaticity" or "hidden triggers" for an invasion

The United Nations Security Council adopted a compromise resolution, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441, which authorized the resumption of weapons inspections and promised "serious consequences" for non-compliance.

UN Security Council members France and Russia made clear that they did not consider these consequences to include the use of force to overthrow the Iraqi Government.

Both the US ambassador to the UN, John Negroponte, and the UK ambassador, Jeremy Greenstock, publicly confirmed the reading of the resolution, assuring that Resolution 1441 provided no "automaticity" or "hidden triggers" for an invasion

The United Nations Security Council adopted a compromise resolution, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441, which authorized the resumption of weapons inspections and promised "serious consequences" for non-compliance.

UN Resolution 1441 gives Iraq "a final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations" and set up inspections by the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

UN Resolution 1441 gives Iraq "a final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations" and set up inspections by the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Russian technicians begin construction of Irans first nuclear reactor at Bushehr despite strong objections from US

Russian technicians begin construction of Irans first nuclear reactor at Bushehr despite strong objections from US

UN Resolution 1441 gives Iraq "a final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations" and set up inspections by the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

UN Resolution 1441 gives Iraq "a final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations" and set up inspections by the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

UN Security Council members France and Russia made clear that they did not consider these consequences to include the use of force to overthrow the Iraqi Government. The United Nations Security Council adopted a compromise resolution, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441, which authorized the resumption of weapons inspections and promised "serious consequences" for non-compliance

The United Nations Security Council adopted a compromise resolution, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441, which authorized the resumption of weapons inspections and promised "serious consequences" for non-compliance

The United Nations Security Council adopted a compromise resolution, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441, which authorized the resumption of weapons inspections and promised "serious consequences" for non-compliance

The United Nations Security Council adopted a compromise resolution, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441, which authorized the resumption of weapons inspections and promised "serious consequences" for non-compliance

UN Resolution 1441 gives Iraq "a final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations" and set up inspections by the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Bush begins formally making his case to the international community for an invasion of Iraq in his September 12, 2002 address to the United Nations Security Council

Bush begins formally making his case to the international community for an invasion of Iraq in his September 12, 2002 address to the United Nations Security Council. Bush begins formally making his case to the international community for an invasion of Iraq in his 12 September 2002 address to the United Nations Security Council

Bush begins formally making his case to the international community for an invasion of Iraq in his September 12, 2002 address to the United Nations Security Council

Bush begins formally making his case to the international community for an invasion of Iraq in his September 12, 2002 address to the United Nations Security Council

The Bush Doctrine was used to indicate a willingness to unilaterally pursue US military interests.Some of these policies were codified in a National Security Council text entitled the National Security Strategy of the United States published on September 20, 2002. Announces the doctrine of pre-emptive military action, later termed the Bush Doctrine

Bush to "strictly enforce through the U.N.

Security Council all relevant Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq" and "obtain prompt and decisive action by the Security Council to ensure that Iraq abandons its strategy of delay, evasion, and noncompliance and promptly and strictly complies with all relevant Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq".

The US Congresss "Joint Resolution to Authorize the Use of United States Armed Forces Against Iraq" authorized President Bush to use the Armed Forces of the United States "as he determines to be necessary and appropriate" in order to "defend the national security of the United States against the continuing

US Congress passes a "Joint Resolution to Authorize the Use of United States Armed Forces Against Iraq". The US Congresss "Joint Resolution to Authorize the Use of United States Armed Forces Against Iraq" "supported" and "encouraged" diplomatic efforts by President George W.

threat posed by Iraq; and enforce all relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions regarding Iraq"

Bush to "strictly enforce through the U.N.

Security Council all relevant Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq" and "obtain prompt and decisive action by the Security Council to ensure that Iraq abandons its strategy of delay, evasion, and noncompliance and promptly and strictly complies with all relevant Security Council resolutions regarding Iraq".

The US Congresss "Joint Resolution to Authorize the Use of United States Armed Forces Against Iraq" authorized President Bush to use the Armed Forces of the United States "as he determines to be necessary and appropriate" in order to "defend the national security of the United States against the continuing

US Congress passes a "Joint Resolution to Authorize the Use of United States Armed Forces Against Iraq". The US Congresss "Joint Resolution to Authorize the Use of United States Armed Forces Against Iraq" "supported" and "encouraged" diplomatic efforts by President George W.

threat posed by Iraq; and enforce all relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions regarding Iraq"

The United States Congress passed the "Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002". Authority to attack Iraq if Iraqi President Saddam Hussein does not give up his weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and abide by previous United Nations resolutions on human rights, POWs, and terrorism

The United States Congress passed the "Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002". NATO member Turkey refuses to allow the US army across its territory into northern Iraq

NATO member Turkey refuses to allow the US army across its territory into northern Iraq

NATO member Turkey refuses to allow the US army across its territory into northern Iraq

Authority to attack Iraq if Iraqi President Saddam Hussein does not give up his weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and abide by previous United Nations resolutions on human rights, POWs, and terrorism

Authority to attack Iraq if Iraqi President Saddam Hussein does not give up his weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) and abide by previous United Nations resolutions on human rights, POWs, and terrorism

Visiting Europe for a NATO summit, Bush declares that, "should Iraqi President Saddam Hussein choose not to disarm, the United States will lead a coalition of the willing to disarm him". The Bush administration briefly used the term Coalition of the Willing to refer to the countries who supported, militarily or verbally, the military action in Iraq and subsequent military presence in post-invasion Iraq since 2003

Visiting Europe for a NATO summit, Bush declares that, "should Iraqi President Saddam Hussein choose not to disarm, the United States will lead a coalition of the willing to disarm him"

Visiting Europe for a NATO summit, Bush declares that, "should Iraqi President Saddam Hussein choose not to disarm, the United States will lead a coalition of the willing to disarm him"

Following the mandate of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441, The president of Iraq, Saddam Hussein, was forced to allow UN inspectors back to his country in November 2002.

to any aspect of their mandates"

records, and means of transport which they wish to inspect, as well as immediate, unimpeded, unrestricted, and private access to all officials and other persons whom UNMOVIC or the IAEA wish to interview in the mode or location of UNMOVIC’s or the IAEA’s choice pursuant

UN Resolution 1441 was an actual enhancement of previous United Nations Security Council Resolution 687 and provided: "that Iraq shall provide UNMOVIC and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) immediate, unimpeded, unconditional, and unrestricted access to any and all, including underground, areas, facilities, buildings, equipment,

Following the mandate of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441, The president of Iraq, Saddam Hussein, was forced to allow UN inspectors back to his country in November 2002.

to any aspect of their mandates"

records, and means of transport which they wish to inspect, as well as immediate, unimpeded, unrestricted, and private access to all officials and other persons whom UNMOVIC or the IAEA wish to interview in the mode or location of UNMOVIC’s or the IAEA’s choice pursuant

UN Resolution 1441 was an actual enhancement of previous United Nations Security Council Resolution 687 and provided: "that Iraq shall provide UNMOVIC and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) immediate, unimpeded, unconditional, and unrestricted access to any and all, including underground, areas, facilities, buildings, equipment,

The United Nations Security Council passes United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441, offering Iraq "a final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations"

The United Nations Security Council passes United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441, offering Iraq "a final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations". The resolution threatens "serious consequences"

UN Security Council Resolution 1441 gave Iraq "a final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations" and set up inspections by the United Nations Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission (UNMOVIC) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Hussein accepted the resolution on 13 November and inspectors returned to Iraq under the direction of UNMOVIC chairman Hans Blix and IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei

Bush creates a bipartisan, independent commission to investigate the Sept 11, 2001

The US accuses Iran of seeking to develop a secret nuclear weapons programme and publishes satellite images of two nuclear sites under construction at Natanz and Arak

The US accuses Iran of seeking to develop a secret nuclear weapons programme and publishes satellite images of two nuclear sites under construction at Natanz and Arak

Orders the construction by 2004 of a limited missile defense shield

The UK & USA attempt to get a United Nations Security Council resolution authorising military force, but withdraw because of a possible veto by France, Russia & China

The UK & USA attempt to get a United Nations Security Council resolution authorising military force, but withdraw because of a possible veto by France, Russia & China

As of February 2003, the IAEA "found no evidence or plausible indication of the revival of a nuclear weapons program in Iraq"; the IAEA concluded that certain items which could have been used in nuclear enrichment centrifuges, such as aluminum tubes, were in fact intended for other uses.

Despite the discovery of chemicals that are part of legitimate industrial use & could be possibly used as potential components of WMD, no actual weapons of mass destruction are found

Inspections by the United Nations restarted from November 2002 until March 2003 but hadn't turned up any evidence of actual WMDs when the United States and the "Coalition of the Willing" invaded Iraq and overthrew Saddam Hussein in March 2003.

The United States and the UK asserted that Saddam Hussein still possessed large hidden stockpiles of WMD and that he was clandestinely procuring and producing more.

UNMOVIC "did not find evidence of the continuation or resumption of programs of weapons of mass destruction" or significant quantities of proscribed items.

US Secretary of State Colin Powell addressed the United Nations General Assembly, continuing US efforts to gain United Nations authorization for an invasion

US Secretary of State Colin Powell addressed the United Nations General Assembly, continuing US efforts to gain United Nations authorization for an invasion

Anti-war protests are held, the largest of their kind since the Vietnam War took place with 6-10 million people in over 60 countries around the world

US forces mass in Kuwait before the invasion of Iraq.

Kuwaiti bases become central staging areas for coalition ground forces.

Turkey rejects Americas plan to base 62,000 troops in its country

Bush addresses the nation, he demands that Hussein and his two sons Uday and Qusay leave Iraq, giving them a 48-hour deadline

Unlike the first Gulf War or the war in Afghanistan (2001), this war had no explicit United Nations authorisation. In his 2003 address to the nation, Bush demands that Hussein and his two sons, Uday and Qusay, surrender and leave Iraq, giving them a 48-hour deadline

The bombing of Iraq by the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Poland, Australia, and Denmark begins

The bombing of Iraq by the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Poland, Australia, and Denmark begins

The invasion is preceded by an air strike on the Presidential Palace in Baghdad

The invasion is preceded by an air strike on the Presidential Palace in Baghdad

America begins the war with air strikes on Baghdad

Coalition ground forces move from Kuwait into southern Iraq.

Prior to the invasion, the United States official position was that Iraq was in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 regarding weapons of mass destruction and had to be disarmed by force

Start of the conflict known as the Iraq War or Operation Iraqi Freedom in which a combined force of troops from the United States, alongside the United Kingdom, and smaller contingents from Australia and Poland.

The US launches the invasion of Iraq, termed "Operation Iraqi Freedom". The United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, Italy and Poland supply the vast majority of the invading forces, in co-operation with Kurdish forces.

The invasion of Iraq was strongly opposed by some traditional US allies, including the Governments of France, Germany, New Zealand, and Canada.

The reasons for the invasion were "to disarm Iraq of weapons of mass destruction, to end Saddam Hussein's alleged support for terrorism, and to free the Iraqi people".

The US launches the invasion of Iraq, termed "Operation Iraqi Freedom". Start of the conflict known as the Iraq War or Operation Iraqi Freedom in which a combined force of troops from the United States, alongside the United Kingdom, and smaller contingents from Australia and Poland

Kuwait serves as a principal staging base for the invasion.

Prior to the invasion, the United States official position was that Iraq was in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 regarding weapons of mass destruction and had to be disarmed by force

Prior to the invasion, the United States official position was that Iraq was in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 regarding weapons of mass destruction and had to be disarmed by force

Prior to the invasion, the United States official position was that Iraq was in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 regarding weapons of mass destruction and had to be disarmed by force

Prior to the invasion, the United States official position was that Iraq was in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 regarding weapons of mass destruction and had to be disarmed by force

Prior to the invasion, the United States official position was that Iraq was in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 regarding weapons of mass destruction and had to be disarmed by force

The threat of potential WMD in Iraq is used by President George W. Bush to generate public support for the invasion of Iraq. Prior to the invasion, the United States official position was that Iraq was in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 regarding weapons of mass destruction and had to be disarmed by force

Heavy fighting takes place in the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah between Iraqi forces and US Marines over control of key bridges over the Euphrates River and the Saddam Canal

US Marines enter Nasiriyah in force, facing heavy resistance as they move to secure two major bridges in the city. The main invasion army moved into southern Iraq, occupying the region and engaging in the Battle of Nasiriyah.

With the Nasiriyah and Talil Airfields secured, Coalition forces gained an important logistical centre in southern Iraq and established FOB/EAF Jalibah, some 10 miles (16 km) outside of Nasiriyah.

The main invasion army moved into southern Iraq, occupying the region and engaging in the Battle of Nasiriyah

The 173rd Airborne Brigade is airdropped near the northern city of Kirkuk where they joined forces with Kurdish rebels and fought several actions against the Iraqi army to secure the northern part of the country

The 101st Airborne Division on March 29, supported by a battalion from the 1st Armored Division attacked Iraqi forces in the southern part of the city, near the Imam Ali Mosque and captured Najafs airfield

Attends the Peace Summit in Northern Ireland, fails to secure a breakthrough

Three weeks into the invasion, US-led Coalition forces move into Baghdad, units of the Iraqi Special Republican Guard led the defence of the city

US-led Coalition troops promptly began searching for the key members of Saddam Husseins Government identified by a variety of means, most famously through sets of most-wanted Iraqi playing cards. Three weeks into the invasion, US-led Coalition forces move into Baghdad, units of the Iraqi Special Republican Guard led the defence of the city

Three weeks into the invasion, US-led Coalition forces move into Baghdad, units of the Iraqi Special Republican Guard led the defence of the city

Attends the Peace Summit in Northern Ireland, fails to secure a breakthrough

Fighting continues in the city until 1st April when Iraqi resistance in the city is finally defeated

The Iraqi military is defeated & Baghdad falls. Most of the Iraqi military is quickly defeated and Baghdad was occupied on April 9th. Bush declares the end of major combat operations, terminating the Baath Party's rule and removing Iraqi President Saddam Hussein from office

Bush declares the end of major combat operations, terminating the Baath Party's rule and removing Iraqi President Saddam Hussein from office

Most of the Iraqi military is quickly defeated and Baghdad was occupied on April 9th

US forces invade Iraq after disputed intelligence claims.

The occupation of Kirkuk came as a result of approximately two weeks of fighting that included the Battle of the Green Line (the unofficial border of the Kurdish autonomous zone) and the subsequent Battle of Kani Domlan Ridge

The occupation of Kirkuk came as a result of approximately two weeks of fighting that included the Battle of the Green Line (the unofficial border of the Kurdish autonomous zone) and the subsequent Battle of Kani Domlan Ridge

Kurdish forces opposed to Saddam Hussein had already occupied for years an autonomous area in northern Iraq & with the assistance of US. Special Forces and air strikes, are able to rout the Iraqi units near them and to occupy oil-rich Kirkuk

Operations occurred against pockets of the Iraqi army including the capture and occupation of Kirkuk on April 10th, and the attack and capture of Tikrit on April 15th.

The occupation of Kirkuk came as a result of approximately two weeks of fighting that included the Battle of the Green Line (the unofficial border of the Kurdish autonomous zone) and the subsequent Battle of Kani Domlan Ridge.

US forces invade Iraq after disputed intelligence claims.

Operations occurred against pockets of the Iraqi army including the capture and occupation of Kirkuk on April 10th, and the attack and capture of Tikrit on April 15th

US forces invade Iraq after disputed intelligence claims.

US forces invade Iraq after disputed intelligence claims.

The occupation of Kirkuk came as a result of approximately two weeks of fighting that included the Battle of the Green Line (the unofficial border of the Kurdish autonomous zone) and the subsequent Battle of Kani Domlan Ridge. Operations occurred against pockets of the Iraqi army including the capture and occupation of Kirkuk on April 10th, and the attack and capture of Tikrit on April 15th

Operations occurred against pockets of the Iraqi army including the capture and occupation of Kirkuk on April 10th, and the attack and capture of Tikrit on April 15th

Many Iraqis celebrated the downfall of Saddam by vandalizing the many portraits and.

The final resistance to US forces is mounted but by late afternoon, all fighting had ceased & a total of 34 US soldiers and 2,320 Iraqi soldiers and Fedayeen were killed.

statues of him together with other pieces of his cult of personality & the dramatic toppling of a large statue of Saddam in Baghdads Fardus Square.

The final resistance to US forces is mounted but by late afternoon, all fighting had ceased & a total of 34 US soldiers and 2,320 Iraqi soldiers and Fedayeen were killed

The final resistance to US forces is mounted but by late afternoon, all fighting had ceased & a total of 34 US soldiers and 2,320 Iraqi soldiers and Fedayeen were killed

The final resistance to US forces is mounted but by late afternoon, all fighting had ceased & a total of 34 US soldiers and 2,320 Iraqi soldiers and Fedayeen were killed

US forces take control of Tikrit, the last major outpost in central Iraq, with an attack led by the Marines Task Force Tripoli

US forces take control of Tikrit, the last major outpost in central Iraq, with an attack led by the Marines Task Force Tripoli

An end of major combat operations is declared, ending the invasion period and beginning the military occupation period

Resolution 1483 recognizes the authority, responsibilities, and obligations of the United States and the United Kingdom as occupying powers of Iraq under a unified command

Resolution 1483 recognizes the authority, responsibilities, and obligations of the United States and the United Kingdom as occupying powers of Iraq under a unified command

White House refuses to rule out the "military option" in dealing with Iran after IAEA says Iran "failed to report certain nuclear materials and activities"

Bush meets Abbas and Sharon at Aqaba to promote the Road Map peace initiative

White House refuses to rule out the "military option" in dealing with Iran after IAEA says Iran "failed to report certain nuclear materials and activities"

White House refuses to rule out the "military option" in dealing with Iran after IAEA says Iran "failed to report certain nuclear materials and activities"

Meets Sharon and Abbas to launch Road Map commitments.

During a raid by the US 101st Airborne Division and men from Task Force 20, Saddam Husseins sons Uday and Qusay, and one of his grandsons were killed in a massive fire-fight

UNMOVIC "did not find evidence of the continuation or resumption of programs of weapons of mass destruction" or significant quantities of proscribed items.

As of February 2003, the IAEA "found no evidence or plausible indication of the revival of a nuclear weapons program in Iraq".

the IAEA concluded that certain items which could have been used in nuclear enrichment centrifuges, such as aluminum tubes, were in fact intended for other uses.

As of February 2003, the IAEA "found no evidence or plausible indication of the revival of a nuclear weapons program in Iraq".

the IAEA concluded that certain items which could have been used in nuclear enrichment centrifuges, such as aluminum tubes, were in fact intended for other uses.

Arrives in Britain for a state visit

Saddam Hussein is captured by US soldiers in a 6ft by 8ft hole

Saddam Hussein was captured by the US Armys 4th Infantry Division and members of Task Force 121 during Operation Red Dawn

James Hickey of the 4th Infantry Division, with joint operations Task Force 121 with an elite and covert joint special operations team.

Operation Red Dawn was an American military operation conducted on 13 December 2003 in the town of ad-Dawr, Iraq, near Tikrit, that led to the capture of Iraqi president Saddam Hussein

Saddam Hussein was captured by the US Army's 4th Infantry Division and members of Task Force 121 during Operation Red Dawn.

The mission was assigned to the first Brigade Combat Team of the 4th Infantry Division, commanded by Maj. Gen. Raymond Odierno and led by Col.

Officials declare Pakistani scientists gave Libya technology to build nuclear weapons

Bush allows Canada to bid on Iraq contracts

Darby, a soldier, reports US abuses to the Armys Criminal Investigations Division

UN Resolution 1540 recognizes the threat posed to international peace and security by nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, as well as their means of delivery, It calls upon greater effort by nations to limit proliferation of such weapons

An interim Government officially takes over from the US occupation authority

An interim Government officially takes over from the US occupation authority

The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the US is formed by the US Government, called the 9/11 Commission, concludes the attacks were planned & carried out by al-Qaeda

Illegal for US Citizens to have transactions (spend money or receive gifts) in Cuba under most circumstances without a US Government Office of Foreign Assets Control issued license

Illegal for US Citizens to have transactions (spend money or receive gifts) in Cuba under most circumstances without a US Government Office of Foreign Assets Control issued license

Bush wins 50.9% of the vote, 31 states & 286 electoral votes

Later reviews criticise intelligence claims about Iraqi weapons.

Later reviews criticise intelligence claims about Iraqi weapons.

Later reviews criticise intelligence claims about Iraqi weapons.

President Bush nominates economist Ben Bernanke to succeed Alan Greenspan as chairman of the Federal Reserve Board when his term expires on January 31, 2006. The legendary Greenspan had served as the Feds chairman for 18 years

Admits responsibility for going to war in Iraq on the basis of faulty intelligence

US National Security Strategy decries Iran, stating that "Iran has violated its Non-proliferation Treaty safeguards obligations and refuses to provide objective guarantees that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes

United States Senator Rick Santorum claimes that "We have found weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, chemical weapons"

United States Senator Rick Santorum claims that "We have found weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, chemical weapons"

The US announces the creation of a task force made up of officials from several US agencies that will pursue more aggressively violators of the US trade embargo against Cuba, with severe penalties

The US launches an air strike in Somalia, targets suspected al-Qaeda operatives who were forced to flee Mogadishu following Ethiopian air strikes that routed Islamist militias

The US launches an air strike in Somalia, targets suspected al-Qaeda operatives who were forced to flee Mogadishu following Ethiopian air strikes that routed Islamist militias

The US launches an air strike in Somalia, targets suspected al-Qaeda operatives who were forced to flee Mogadishu following Ethiopian air strikes that routed Islamist militias

The US launches an air strike in Somalia, targets suspected al-Qaeda operatives who were forced to flee Mogadishu following Ethiopian air strikes that routed Islamist militias

In a nationally televised address, President Bush announces an additional 20,000 troops will be deployed to Baghdad to try to stem the sectarian fighting

Troops storm an Iranian diplomatic office in Kurdish-controlled Erbil and detain five people, urdish officials are outraged at the move, and about 100 Kurdish troops stop US troops from crossing a checkpoint

Troops storm an Iranian diplomatic office in Kurdish-controlled Erbil and detain five people, urdish officials are outraged at the move, and about 100 Kurdish troops stop US troops from crossing a checkpoint

Troops storm an Iranian diplomatic office in Kurdish-controlled Erbil and detain five people, urdish officials are outraged at the move, and about 100 Kurdish troops stop US troops from crossing a checkpoint

The tally of death certificates and reports from morgues, hospitals, and other institutions indicates more than 34,000 Iraqi civilians died in 2006

Reversing its policy, the Justice Department announces the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court will oversee the National Security Agencys domestic wiretapping program

Admits that the war in Iraq is not going as planned, "This is not the fight we entered in Iraq, but it is the fight we are in," he says, "Every one of us wishes that this war were over and won"

Senate Foreign Relations Committee votes, 12-9, in favor of a nonbinding resolution that denounces President Bushs plan to deploy additional troops to Iraq

Senate Foreign Relations Committee votes, 12-9, in favor of a nonbinding resolution that denounces President Bushs plan to deploy additional troops to Iraq

250 are killed near Najaf as American and Iraqi troops fight with a Shiite militia, an American helicopter is shot down in the battle

National Intelligence Estimate finds the Iraqi leadership is likely too weak to hold the country together, the military is ill-equipped to rein in militias, and US troops are necessary to stabilize Iraq

President Bush says the $2.9 trillion budget will eliminate the federal deficit by 2012 without increasing taxes

Officials show weapons, including mortar shells, rocket-propelled grenades, and explosive penetrators they say were manufactured in Iranian factories, they also say that Iranian Government officials sanctioned the transfer of the weapons

At a meeting with diplomats from the US, China, South Korea, Russia, and Japan, North Korea agrees to dismantle its nuclear facilities and allow international inspectors to enter the country in exchange for about $400 million in oil and aid

The House of Representatives votes, 246-182, in favor of a nonbinding resolution that expresses support for US troops but criticizes President Bushs "surge" that calls for some 20,000 additional troops to be sent to Iraq

Despite an increase in violence in Bagdhad, Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki called the security offensive a "dazzling success"

In a policy shift US officials say they will participate in high-level talks with Iran and Syria at a meeting about Iraq

Eight people, including two Iraqi legislators, die when a suicide bomber strikes inside the Parliament building, which is located in Baghdads fortified International Zone

Eight people, including two Iraqi legislators, die when a suicide bomber strikes inside the Parliament building, which is located in Baghdads fortified International Zone

Muharib Abdul Latif al-Jubouri, a leader of al-Qaeda in Mesopotamia, dies in a raid north of Baghdad. US officials say that Jubouri was involved in the kidnapping of American reporter Jill Carroll

Muharib Abdul Latif al-Jubouri, a leader of al-Qaeda in Mesopotamia, dies in a raid north of Baghdad. US officials say that Jubouri was involved in the kidnapping of American reporter Jill Carroll

The US and Iraq begin a new offensive in an attempt to increase security in Baghdad and quell the increasingly deadly attacks by insurgents and militias

President Bush selects Lt Gen Douglas Lute to oversee war policy in Iraq and Afghanistan

Moktada al-Sadr, leader of the Mahdi Army militia and an opponent of the US-led war in Iraq, reemerges from hiding for the first time since January. In a speech, he calls for a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq

With 127 deaths, May is the deadliest month for U.S. troops since November 2004

US forces begin a new offensive, targeting al-Qaeda in Mesopotamia in areas around Baghdad, where car bombings and other insurgent attacks have intensified

Three Iraqi army officials, including Ali Hassan al-Majid, a cousin of Saddam Hussein who was known as "Chemical Ali, are convicted and sentenced to death for carrying out the murder of about 50,000 Kurds in 1988-what was called the Anfal campaign

Three Iraqi army officials, including Ali Hassan al-Majid, a cousin of Saddam Hussein who was known as "Chemical Ali, are convicted and sentenced to death for carrying out the murder of about 50,000 Kurds in 1988-what was called the Anfal campaign

US forces begin a new offensive, targeting al-Qaeda in Mesopotamia in areas around Baghdad, where car bombings and other insurgent attacks have intensified

Three Iraqi army officials, including Ali Hassan al-Majid, a cousin of Saddam Hussein who was known as "Chemical Ali, are convicted and sentenced to death for carrying out the murder of about 50,000 Kurds in 1988-what was called the Anfal campaign

A review of progress in Iraq, called the National Intelligence Estimate, says the Iraqi Government has failed to end sectarian violence even with the surge of American troops

A review of progress in Iraq, called the National Intelligence Estimate, says the Iraqi Government has failed to end sectarian violence even with the surge of American troops

17 Iraqi civilians, including a couple and their infant, are killed when employees of private security company Blackwater USA reportedly fire on a car that fails to stop, Nuri al-Maliki threatens to evict Blackwater employees from Iraq

n a nationally televised address, President Bush outlines a plan for withdrawing troops from Iraq, he says by July 2008 troop levels would drop from the current high of 169,000 to 130,000

Lt. Gen. Ricardo Sanchez, the former Commander of US forces in Iraq, criticizes the Bush administration for its "catastrophically flawed, unrealistically optimistic war plan"

Turkeys Parliament votes, 507 to 19, to allow the deployment of troops into northern Iraq to deal with attacks on Turkey by Kurdish rebels in Iraq

Merrill Lynchs Stan ONeal is ousted after the bank reveals an $8.4 billion quarterly loss

Merrill Lynchs Stan ONeal is ousted after the bank reveals an $8.4 billion quarterly loss

Six American soldiers are killed in Iraq, bringing the total deaths in 2007 to 852, the highest annual total since the war began in 2003

Freddie Mac announces largest quarterly loss to date as it unveils $4.8 billion bad debts and writedowns

Freddie Mac announces largest quarterly loss to date as it unveils $4.8 billion bad debts and writedowns

Morgan Stanley falls into the red with $9.4 billion writeoff but receives $5 billion from the China Investment Corporation

Morgan Stanley falls into the red with $9.4 billion writeoff but receives $5 billion from the China Investment Corporation

Bank of America buys struggling Countrywide for $4 billion

Bank of America buys struggling Countrywide for $4 billion

Merrill Lynch sub-prime losses top $23 billion

Merrill Lynch sub-prime losses top $23 billion

Bush proposes a $145 billion stimulus package, responding to a crisis in the housing market and rising oil prices, president says a combination of tax cuts for individuals and businesses will "provide a shot in the arm" to the economy

Responding to fears that the US is headed for an imminent recession, stock markets fall drastically in Frankfurt, Mumbai, Hong Kong, Paris, London, and other major cities in Europe and Asia

In response to the plunge in markets around the world, the Federal Reserve bank cuts interest rates by .75%, the largest single-day reduction in the bank's history

In response to the plunge in markets around the world, the Federal Reserve bank cuts interest rates by .75%, the largest single-day reduction in the bank's history

The Bush administration hands out a $146 billion stimulus package that gives rebates of $300-$600 for individuals earning up to $75,000 and to couples with incomes up to $150,000

Bush delivers his last State of the Union address

The United States announces that Abu Laith al-Libi, a senior commander of al-Qaeda who recruited and trained operatives, is killed in a missile strike in northwest Pakistan

President George W Bush visits Israel and Palestinian Territories for the first time

Signs the Economic Stimulus Act to send tax rebates and business incentives during the downturn

The Fed releases another $200 billion emergency funding. Former bosses of Citigroup and Merrill Lynch face a congressional committee grilling over pay

Bear Stearns is bailed out with emergency funding from JP Morgan and the NY Fed

Bear Stearns is bailed out with emergency funding from JP Morgan and the NY Fed

Bear Stearns is sold to JP Morgan Chase for just $240 million under Fed pressure in an emergency rescue takeover

Bear Stearns is sold to JP Morgan Chase for just $240 million under Fed pressure in an emergency rescue takeover

Henry Paulson proposes sweeping reforms to banking controls

JP Morgan profits dive 50 per cent

US home loan giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lose half their value and appear on the brink of collapse

US home loan giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lose half their value and appear on the brink of collapse

Signs surveillance legislation updating rules for foreign intelligence collection

US home loan giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lose half their value and appear on the brink of collapse

President Bush agrees to back deal to save Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

Wall Street shares tumble as the International Monetary Fund warns the US housing crisis is not over

Signs legislation strengthening federal powers over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

Freddie Mac reports $821 million loss

Signs the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act authorizing the Troubled Asset Relief Program

The United States and Iraq sign an agreement setting a timetable for troop withdrawal