The United States' military operation in Iraq ended in December 2011. Former U.S. president George W. Bush ordered the invasion in 2003 citing reports that the country had weapons of mass destruction. No such weapons were ever found.
At the height of the war, there were as many as 170,000 U.S. troops in the country. Almost 4,500 U.S. troops lost their lives as well as tens of thousands of Iraqis, and the military effort cost hundreds of billions of dollars.
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Looking forward, will the situation inside Iraq be better or worse? What awaits U.S. soldiers when they return home? VOA searches for answers.
President Obama attends ceremony welcoming home commander of US forces in Iraq
The president expressed gratitude to the 1.5 million Americans who have served in Iraq since 2003
Despite billions set aside for reconstruction, Iraqis interviewed at several locations say they still cannot rely on public services
Once secretive, ornate command center of Saddam Hussein's rule served as hub of American military, diplomatic activities in Iraq
In a few days US military will end its presence in Iraq after almost nine years
Analysts continue to disagree over success or failure of mission
Soldiers who made sacrifices for their country now hope their country will deliver badly-needed jobs
After eight years and with more than 4,000 Americans killed, thousands of troops are returning to Fort Hood to start a new life
Fewer than 4,000 remain in country and officials say they will likely be out in next few days
At its height, the base was home to more than 40,000 troops and military-related personal
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