How did the insurgency in Iraq develop after 2003?

The insurgency in Iraq developed after 2003 due to power vacuums, sectarian tensions, and foreign interventions.

After the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, the removal of Saddam Hussein's regime created a significant power vacuum. The disbanding of the Iraqi army and the de-Ba'athification policy, which removed members of Saddam's Ba'ath Party from government positions, left many Iraqis unemployed and disgruntled. This led to widespread instability and resentment, particularly among the Sunni population who had previously held power under Saddam.

Sectarian tensions between the Sunni and Shia communities also played a crucial role in the development of the insurgency. The new Iraqi government, dominated by Shia politicians, was viewed with suspicion and hostility by many Sunnis. This sectarian divide was exploited by various insurgent groups, including al-Qaeda in Iraq, which sought to incite further violence and chaos to undermine the new government.

Foreign interventions further complicated the situation. Iran, a predominantly Shia country, provided support to Shia militias in Iraq, while Sunni-majority countries like Saudi Arabia were accused of backing Sunni insurgent groups. These external influences exacerbated the sectarian conflict and contributed to the ongoing violence.

Additionally, the presence of US and coalition forces in Iraq was a major factor in the insurgency. Many Iraqis viewed the foreign troops as occupiers, leading to widespread resistance and attacks against them. Insurgent groups used guerrilla tactics, such as roadside bombs and suicide attacks, to target both military personnel and civilians, aiming to destabilise the country and force the withdrawal of foreign forces.

In summary, the insurgency in Iraq after 2003 was driven by a combination of power vacuums, sectarian tensions, and foreign interventions, leading to a prolonged period of violence and instability.