Two decades ago, after months of rhetoric and international debate, former United States President, George W. Bush issued a 48-hour ultimatum on March 17 for former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and his two sons to leave the country and spare it from military attack. France, Germany, Russia oppose buildup towards war. Two days later, the bombing campaign dubbed 'shock and awe' began in full force. The 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq was meant to topple a dictator who had inflicted reckless wars and economic misery on his fellow Iraqis, and then to usher in a thriving democracy. Instead, Iraqis faced years of upheaval and chaos. Sunday, March 19, 2023, marked 20 years since Bush ordered the invasion of Iraq. https://www.voanews.com/a/years-since-start-of-us-war-in-iraq/7010957.html » Subscribe to VOA News: https://bit.ly/3KIPysi » Watch more VOA News video: https://www.youtube.com/c/VOANews Voice of America (VOA) is the largest U.S. international broadcaster, providing news and information in more than 40 languages to an estimated weekly audience of 236.8 million people. VOA produces content for digital, television, and radio platforms. It is easily accessed via your mobile phone and on social media. It is also distributed by satellite, cable, FM and MW, and is carried on a network of approximately 3,000 affiliate stations. Since its creation in 1942, Voice of America has been committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the news and telling audiences the truth. Through World War II, the Cold War, the fight against global terrorism, and the struggle for freedom around the globe today, VOA exemplifies the principles of a free press. Connect with VOA News: » VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.voanews.com/ » LIKE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/voanews » FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/voanews/ » FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: https://twitter.com/VOANews