What was the timeframe of the Iraqi civil war discussed in this article?

The Iraqi civil war, as detailed in this article, was an armed conflict that took place from 2006 to 2008.

Who were the primary belligerents in the Iraqi civil war (2006-2008)?

The primary belligerents included various sectarian Shia and Sunni armed groups, such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Mahdi Army, alongside the Iraqi government and American-led coalition forces.

What event is identified as the trigger for the escalation into a sectarian civil war in February 2006?

The bombing of the Al-Askari Shrine in Samarra on February 22, 2006, which is considered a holy site in Twelver Shi'ism, is identified as the event that escalated the existing insurgency into a sectarian civil war.

Who was accused of orchestrating the bombing of the Al-Askari Shrine?

US President George W. Bush and Iraqi officials accused Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) of orchestrating the bombing, although AQI publicly denied any involvement.

What were the immediate consequences of the Al-Askari Shrine bombing?

The bombing triggered a wave of retaliatory attacks, with Shia militants attacking Sunni civilians and Sunni militants subsequently attacking Shia civilians, intensifying sectarian violence.

What was the assessment of the Iraqi state's stability by the UN Secretary General in September 2006?

The UN Secretary General stated in September 2006 that if the patterns of discord and violence continued, the Iraqi state was in danger of breaking up.

According to President George W. Bush in January 2007, what percentage of Iraq's sectarian violence occurred within a specific radius of the capital?

In January 2007, President George W. Bush stated that 80% of Iraq's sectarian violence occurred within 30 miles (48 km) of Baghdad, noting that this violence was splitting the city into sectarian enclaves.

What did the National Intelligence Estimate describe the conflict as by late 2007?

By late 2007, the National Intelligence Estimate described the conflict as having elements of a civil war.

What factors contributed to the dramatic decline in violence by late 2007 and into 2008?

The decline in violence was attributed to the Sunni Awakening movement and the U.S. troop surge in 2007.

What was the estimated number of displaced Iraqis by October 2006, according to the UNHCR?

In October 2006, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Iraqi government estimated that more than 370,000 Iraqis had been displaced since the start of the year.

How did the UNHCR's estimate of displaced Iraqis change by 2008?

By 2008, the UNHCR raised its estimate to about 4.7 million Iraqis displaced, comprising approximately 2 million internally displaced people and 2.7 million displaced externally.

What was the humanitarian situation described as by the Red Cross in 2008?

The Red Cross stated in 2008 that Iraq's humanitarian situation was among the most critical globally, with millions relying on insufficient and poor-quality water sources.

How did Iraq rank in the Failed States Index between 2005 and 2008?

According to the Failed States Index, produced by Foreign Policy and the Fund for Peace, Iraq was consistently ranked among the world's top 5 most unstable states from 2005 to 2008.

What were the main factions within the Iraqi insurgency that coalesced around 2005?

By 2005, insurgent forces began to coalesce around several main factions, including the Islamic Army in Iraq and Ansar al-Sunna.

What religious and ideological adherence did some insurgent groups display?

Some insurgent groups adhered to Salafism, using religious justification for their political actions and branding those against their jihad as non-believers, which contributed to the rise of sectarian violence.

What was the estimated percentage of non-Iraqi Arabs within the insurgent forces, according to the U.S. military?

The U.S. military believed that between 5% and 10% of insurgent forces were non-Iraqi Arabs.

Which major Shia militia was established by Muqtada al-Sadr?

The Mahdi Army, believed to have around 50,000 fighters, was established by Muqtada al-Sadr and was one of the most significant Shia militias.

When did attacks on non-military and civilian targets begin as a tactic to sow chaos?

Attacks on non-military and civilian targets began in August 2003 as an attempt to sow chaos and sectarian discord.

What was the reported decrease in overall attacks by August 2009 compared to August 2007, according to MNF-I?

The commanding general of the Multi-National Force-Iraq (MNF-I) testified that overall attacks had decreased by 85% between August 2007 (4,064 attacks) and August 2009 (594 attacks).

Describe the aftermath of a car bombing in Baghdad shown in the article's image.

The image depicts the aftermath of a car bombing in Baghdad in December 2007, showing damage to a city street.

What types of locations were typically targeted by bomb attacks aimed at civilians?

Bomb attacks against civilians commonly targeted crowded places such as marketplaces and mosques, particularly in Shia cities and districts.

What were the casualty figures for the November 23, 2006, Sadr City bombings?

The bombings on November 23, 2006, in the Sadr City district of Baghdad killed at least 215 people and injured hundreds more, leading to reprisal attacks.

What types of attacks were used in the March 2, 2004, Iraq Ashura bombings?

The March 2, 2004, bombings involved car bombs, suicide bombers, and attacks using mortars, grenades, and rockets, resulting in at least 178 deaths and 500 injuries.

What role did suicide car bombs play in the insurgency?

Since August 2003, suicide car bombs, known as vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), were increasingly used by Sunni militants, particularly al-Qaeda extremists, as an effective weapon against civilian targets, police stations, and recruiting centers.

What was the origin of many of the suicide car bombers?

Many of these VBIEDs were driven by extremists from foreign Muslim countries known for militancy, such as Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Egypt, and Pakistan.

What were some of the methods employed by death squads during the conflict?

Death squads engaged in kidnapping, followed by extreme torture (such as drilling holes in victims' feet), and execution-style killings, sometimes publicly, including beheadings. Tapes of executions were sometimes distributed for propaganda.

What was the Hay al-Jihad massacre, and what was its context?

The Hay al-Jihad massacre was a large-scale event where approximately 40 Sunnis were killed, reportedly in response to a car bombing that had killed a dozen Shi'a.

What percentage of civilian deaths during the Iraq War were attributed to execution after abduction or capture, according to Iraq Body Count data?

Iraq Body Count project data indicates that 33% of civilian deaths during the Iraq War resulted from execution after abduction or capture, with such killings occurring more frequently during the 2006-2007 sectarian violence period.

What was the stated strategic goal of Al-Zarqawi regarding the bombing of the Al-Askari Mosque?

Al-Zarqawi's explicit strategic goal was to trigger a sectarian war, hoping to rally Iraq's Sunnis against the Shia-dominated government and the U.S. occupation.

What impact did the Al-Askari Mosque bombing have on the daily homicide rate in Baghdad?

In the aftermath of the Al-Askari Mosque bombing, the U.S. military calculated that the average homicide rate in Baghdad tripled, increasing from 11 to 33 deaths per day.

What happened to Iraqi service members in relation to sectarian divisions?

Some Iraqi service members deserted the military or police, and others refused to serve in neighborhoods dominated by different sects. Ethnic Kurdish soldiers also reportedly deserted to avoid the civil strife.

What was the estimated daily loss of soldiers due to desertions and deaths before the fall of Mosul?

Before the fall of Mosul, the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) were reportedly losing 300 soldiers per day due to desertions and deaths.

What does the Congressional Research Service graph illustrate regarding civilian deaths?

The graph illustrates civilian deaths attributable to insurgent or military action, as well as increased criminal violence, specifically for the period between January 2006 and February 2008, noting that many deaths were unreported and other estimation methods yield higher numbers.

What percentage of Iraq's middle class is believed to have fled the country due to the conflict?

The United Nations estimated that roughly 40% of Iraq's middle class had fled the country due to the conflict and persecution.

What were the conditions for Iraqi refugees seeking status in the United States as of May 2007?

As of May 25, 2007, only 69 individuals from Iraq had been granted refugee status in the United States, indicating a difficult path for refugees seeking asylum.

According to the 'Weak State' theory, what was a key factor evidencing the lack of Iraqi state capacity?

A key factor evidencing the lack of Iraqi state capacity was its inability to provide security for its inhabitants, a characteristic of a weak state.

How did the economy contribute to the sectarian conflict, particularly for Sunnis?

The economy played a role as Sunnis, who had enjoyed higher job preferences and wages under Hussein's rule, were left jobless after the U.S. invasion, leading many to join the insurgency. Control of oil revenues and the lack of legislation on their dispersal were also factors.

What percentage of polled Iraqi residents agreed that Iraq was in a civil war in 2006?

A poll of over 5,000 Iraqi nationals in 2006 found that 27% agreed Iraq was in a civil war, while 61% disagreed.

How did American public opinion perceive the situation in Iraq regarding a civil war in 2006?

Two similar polls conducted in the United States in 2006 indicated that between 65% and 85% of Americans believed Iraq was experiencing a civil war.

What was the National Intelligence Estimate's nuanced view on labeling the conflict in Iraq as a 'civil war'?

The National Intelligence Estimate judged that 'civil war' did not fully capture the conflict's complexity, which included Shia-on-Shia violence, attacks on Coalition forces, and criminal violence. However, it acknowledged that the term accurately described key elements like hardening sectarian identities, population displacement, and ethno-sectarian mobilization.

What label did retired U.S. Army General Barry McCaffrey apply to the situation in Iraq in March 2007?

Retired U.S. Army General Barry McCaffrey labeled the situation in Iraq as a 'low-grade civil war' in a report issued on March 26, 2007.

What specific tactic did Sunni militants, particularly al-Qaeda extremists, increasingly use since August 2003?

Since August 2003, Sunni militants, especially al-Qaeda extremists, increasingly employed suicide car bombs, known as vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), as a highly effective weapon.

What was the distribution of targets for single and multiple VBIED blasts?

Approximately three-quarters of both single and multiple VBIED blasts were directed against Iraqi targets.

What was the impact of the sectarian security dilemma on the conflict?

The sectarian security dilemma, triggered by the security vacuum following the state's collapse and subsequent violence after the Al-Askari mosque bombing, played a significant role in escalating the civil war.

What specific torture method was mentioned in relation to death squad activities?

A specific torture method mentioned in relation to death squad activities involved drilling holes in people's feet.

What was the role of the Badr Brigade in relation to death squad allegations?

The Badr Brigade, the military wing of the pro-Iranian Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, was accused of being behind the killings attributed to death squads.

What happened to Iraqi Christian minorities during the conflict?

Iraq's Christian minority also became targets for Al Qaeda Sunnis due to conflicting theological ideas.

What was the estimated number of Iraqi security forces (Army and Police) in 2006?

In 2006, the Iraqi Security Forces comprised an estimated 618,000 personnel, including 805,269 in the Army and 348,000 in the Police.

What was the approximate strength of coalition forces in Iraq during the conflict?

Coalition forces numbered approximately 49,700 personnel.

What was the estimated number of contractors and Awakening Council militias?

There were approximately 7,000 private contractors and 103,000 militias from the Awakening Council (Sons of Iraq).

What were the estimated strengths of the Mahdi Army and the Badr Organization?

The Mahdi Army was estimated to have 60,000 fighters (2003-2008), and the Badr Organization had an estimated 20,000 members.

Iraqi Civil War 2006 U20132008 Wiki: Iraq's Fractured Peace: The 2006-2008 Civil War

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Conflict Overview

Defining the War

The Iraqi civil war was an armed conflict from 2006 to 2008 primarily between various sectarian Shia and Sunni armed groups, including the Islamic State of Iraq and the Mahdi Army. The Iraqi government and American-led coalition forces were also involved.^[18]^[19]^[20]^[21]^[22] The conflict escalated significantly following the bombing of the Al-Askari Shrine in Samarra in February 2006, a pivotal event that triggered widespread sectarian retaliations.^[23]^[24]

Escalation and Impact

By late 2007, the conflict was widely described as having elements of a civil war, with sectarian violence significantly impacting Baghdad, dividing it into enclaves.^[26]^[27] The violence led to massive displacement, with millions of Iraqis becoming refugees or internally displaced persons by 2008.^[32]^[34] The humanitarian situation was dire, placing Iraq among the world's most critical humanitarian crises.^[35]

Decline in Violence

A significant reduction in violence was observed by late 2007 and into 2008, attributed to the U.S. troop surge and the organization of Sunni Awakening Council militias.^[28]^[29] This decline was attributed to the surge and the Awakening movement, though underlying insurgent activities persisted.^[6]

Key Participants

Iraqi Forces

The conflict involved the Iraqi Security Forces, comprising the Army and Police, numbering hundreds of thousands.^[7] Additionally, the "Sons of Iraq" (Awakening Council militias), numbering over 100,000, played a crucial role in stabilizing areas by cooperating with coalition forces.^[10]

Coalition Forces

Coalition forces, primarily led by the United States, United Kingdom, and other allied nations, were present in advisory and combat roles. Private Security Contractors also operated alongside these forces, numbering in the thousands.^[1]^[8]^[9]

Militias and Insurgents

Prominent Shia militias included the Mahdi Army (estimated 60,000 fighters) and the Badr Organization (estimated 20,000 fighters).^[11]^[12] Sunni insurgent groups, notably Al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) and its successor, the Islamic State of Iraq, were major belligerents, employing foreign fighters and brutal tactics.^[16]^[37]^[40]

Conflict Tactics

Bombings and Mortars

Bomb attacks, including vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) and mortar attacks, were frequently used against civilian targets like marketplaces and mosques, often resulting in mass casualties. Notable incidents include the November 2006 Sadr City bombings and the February 2007 Baghdad market bombing.^[44]^[45]

Suicide Attacks

Suicide bombings, often carried out by foreign fighters, became a signature tactic of Sunni militants, particularly al-Qaeda extremists. These attacks targeted both civilians and Iraqi security forces, aiming to sow chaos and sectarian discord.^[46]^[47]

Death Squads & Executions

Death squad activities involved kidnapping, torture, and execution-style killings, sometimes publicly displayed for propaganda. These actions, often carried out in revenge for sectarian violence, contributed significantly to civilian deaths, particularly during the 2006-2007 period.^[48]^[49]^[51]

Attacks on Worship Places

Places of worship, including mosques and churches, were targeted. The bombing of the Al-Askari Shrine in Samarra in February 2006 was a critical catalyst for the escalation of sectarian violence.^[52]^[53]^[54]

Sectarian Desertions

Desertions from Iraqi security forces occurred due to sectarian divisions, with soldiers refusing to serve in areas dominated by opposing sects. This weakened state capacity and contributed to the overall instability.^[56]

Conflict Timeline

Key Periods

The period from 2006 to 2008 marked the height of the Iraqi civil war, characterized by intense sectarian violence and significant displacement.

Feb 2006: Bombing of Al-Askari Shrine in Samarra, escalating sectarian conflict.
2006-2007: Peak of sectarian violence, widespread bombings, death squad activity, and mass displacement.
2007: U.S. troop surge and implementation of the Sunni Awakening strategy begin to reduce violence.
2008: Continued decline in violence, with Iraqi forces taking a more prominent role in counter-offensives and ceasefires signed with groups like the Mahdi Army.
Mid-2008: Territorial defeat of the Islamic State of Iraq in key areas.

Violence Trends

Overall attacks decreased significantly from 2007 to 2009, with a reported 85% reduction by August 2009 compared to August 2007.^[43]

Humanitarian Crisis

Mass Displacement

The conflict triggered a massive humanitarian crisis. By 2008, the UNHCR estimated that approximately 4.7 million Iraqis were displaced, with 2 million internally displaced and 2.7 million having fled the country.^[34]

Refugee Conditions

Many refugees faced dire conditions, often barred from working in host countries and reliant on insufficient aid. The flight of the middle class was particularly notable, with estimates suggesting up to 40% of this demographic had left Iraq.^[60]^[61]

Essential Services

Millions of Iraqis depended on poor-quality water sources, highlighting the breakdown of essential services and the critical state of the nation's infrastructure amidst the ongoing conflict.^[35]

Theories of Conflict

Weak State Theory

Iraq's pre-invasion state lacked legitimacy and capacity, exacerbated by sanctions and the collapse of institutions post-2003. This created a security vacuum, a permissive cause for civil war.^[64]

Poor Leadership

The legacy of previous wars and the sectarian nature of the ruling elite contributed to poor leadership, exacerbating existing ethnic and religious tensions and fueling the conflict.^[66]

Economic Factors

Economic disparities, particularly the loss of employment for Sunnis post-invasion and the lack of clear legislation on oil revenue distribution, played a role in driving recruitment for insurgent groups.^[67]

The "Civil War" Label

Defining the Conflict

The application of the term "civil war" to the 2006-2008 period was debated. While some commentators preferred "civil conflict," the situation exhibited key characteristics such as hardening sectarian identities, population displacement, and intense sectarian violence.^[64]^[74]

Public and Official Views

Public opinion polls showed varying perceptions, with a majority of Iraqis not agreeing it was a civil war, while a significant portion of Americans did. U.S. officials and intelligence assessments acknowledged the "civil war" elements, even if not fully encompassing the conflict's complexity.^[68]^[70]^[74]

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References

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Iraq's Fractured Peace

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Conflict Overview ℹ️

⚔️ Defining the War

📈 Escalation and Impact

🕊️ Decline in Violence

Key Participants 👥

🇮🇶 Iraqi Forces

🇺🇸 Coalition Forces

☪️ Militias and Insurgents

Conflict Tactics 💣

💥 Bombings and Mortars

👤 Suicide Attacks

🔪 Death Squads & Executions

🕌 Attacks on Worship Places

🛡️ Sectarian Desertions

Conflict Timeline 📅

🗓️ Key Periods

📊 Violence Trends

Humanitarian Crisis 🌍

🚶 Mass Displacement

🏠 Refugee Conditions

💧 Essential Services

Theories of Conflict 🤔

🏛️ Weak State Theory

👑 Poor Leadership

💰 Economic Factors

The "Civil War" Label 🏷️

🗣️ Defining the Conflict

📊 Public and Official Views

Related Topics 🔗

📜 Further Reading

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Conflict Overview

Defining the War

Escalation and Impact

Decline in Violence

Key Participants

Iraqi Forces

Coalition Forces

Militias and Insurgents

Conflict Tactics

Bombings and Mortars

Suicide Attacks

Death Squads & Executions

Attacks on Worship Places

Sectarian Desertions

Conflict Timeline

Key Periods

Violence Trends

Humanitarian Crisis

Mass Displacement

Refugee Conditions

Essential Services

Theories of Conflict

Weak State Theory

Poor Leadership

Economic Factors

The "Civil War" Label

Defining the Conflict

Public and Official Views

Related Topics

Further Reading

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice