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KEY DOCUMENTS IN THE U.S.-IRAQ WAR

 

I.

KEY DOCUMENTS, 2002-2007

 

II.

RELATED DOCUMENTS, 1994-2006

I. KEY DOCUMENTS, 2002-2007

TOP

Date Issued

Document/Testimony

Source

Description

Related ProCon.org Links

Sep. 6, 2007
The Report of the Independent Commission on the Security Forces of Iraq (PDF) 4.3MB

Independent Commission on the Security Forces of Iraq An assessment on the readiness of Iraq's military and police forces How has the Iraq War affected the safety and security of Iraqis?
Sep. 4, 2007
Securing, Stabilizing, and Rebuilding Iraq: Iraqi Government Has Not Met Most Legislative, Security and Economic Benchmarks (PDF) 634KB

U.S. Government Accountability Office A report on whether the Iraqi government has met 18 benchmarks set by the Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007 Should the U.S. set a timetable or deadline for troop withdrawal?
Aug. 2007
National Intelligence Estimate: "Prospects for Iraq's Stability: Some Security Progress But Political Reconciliation Elusive" (PDF) 1KB
U.S. Intelligence Community An update on the situation in Iraq since the Jan. 2007 National Intelligence Estimate What is a National Intelligence Estimate (NIE)?
July 12, 2007
Initial Benchmark Assessment Report (PDF) 147KB
The White House An initial assessment of the Iraqi government's efforts to achieve specific benchmarks set by the Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007 Chronology of the U.S.-Iraq War, 2000-2007: New Iraqi Government
Jan. 2007
National Intelligence Estimate: "Prospects for Iraq's Stability: A Challenging Road Ahead" (PDF) 234KB
U.S. Intelligence Community A report on Iraq stating that, although "the term 'civil war' does not adequately capture the complexity of the conflict in Iraq," the term "accurately describes key elements of the Iraqi conflict" Should the sectarian violence in Iraq be described as a civil war?
Jan. 2007
Things Fall Apart: Containing the Spillover from an Iraqi Civil War (PDF) 1.34MB
Daniel L. Bymand and Kenneth M. Pollack, Brookings Institution An analysis of civil war in Iraq and possible patterns of “spillover” causing regional and global destabilization Were sectarian differences a problem in Iraq before the 2003 U.S. invasion?
Dec. 6, 2006
Iraq Study Group Report (PDF) 1.72MB
Iraq Study Group A report prepared by a 10-member bipartisan panel detailing 79 recommendations on U.S. actions to be taken regarding Iraq Read a summary, pro and con reactions, and related information to this report
Dec. 2006
Military Operations: High-Level DOD Action Needed to Address Long-standing Problems with Management and Oversight of Contractors Supporting Deployed Forces (PDF) 1.1MB
U.S. Government Accountability Office A report determining the extent to which Department of Defense (DOD) has improved its management and oversight of contractors supporting deployed forces Does the U.S. government provide adequate oversight for private contractors in Iraq?
Nov. 1-Dec. 31, 2006
Human Rights Report (PDF) 173KB
United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq A progress report on the humanitarian situation in Iraq How has the Iraq War affected the safety and security of Iraqis?
Oct. 12, 2006
The Human Cost of War in Iraq: A Mortality Study, 2002-2006 (PDF) 604KB
Johns Hopkins University and Al Mustansiriya University A survey of Iraqi civilian deaths from 2002 to 2006 Is the October 2006 study reporting more than 650,000 Iraqi deaths reliable?
July 2006
Rebuilding Iraq: More Comprehensive National Strategy Needed to Help Achieve U.S. Goals (PDF) 1.0MB
U.S. Government Accountability Office A report assessing the evolving U.S. national strategy for Iraq What are the 2002 and 2006 U.S. National Security Strategies?
Apr. 2006
Declassified Key Judgments of the National Intelligence Estimate "Trends in Global Terrorism: Implications for the United States" (PDF) 66.3KB
U.S. Intelligence Community A formal appraisal of global terrorism by the U.S. intelligence agencies What do the 2002, 2004, 2006, Jan. 2007, and Aug. 2007 National Intelligence Estimates (NIE) report?
Mar. 2006
The National Security Strategy of the United States of America (PDF) 653KB
The White House A report from the Bush Administration to Congress setting out the nation's strategic security objectives What is a U.S. National Security Strategy?
Nov. 1-Dec. 31, 2005
Human Rights Report (PDF) 52KB
United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq A progress report on the humanitarian situation in Iraq How has the Iraq War affected the safety and security of Iraqis?
Nov. 2005
National Strategy for Victory in Iraq (PDF) 398KB
The White House A report articulating the broad strategy the President set forth in 2003 for Iraq and provides an update on the progress of, and remaining challenges for, the United States What are the plans to establish democracy in Iraq?
Apr. 26, 2005
U.S. Military and Iraqi Casualty Statistics: Additional Numbers and Explanations (PDF) 32KB
Congressional Research Service/
Library of Congress
An estimate of difficult-to-find casualty statistics from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) Deaths from the War in Iraq
Mar. 31, 2005
The Commission of the Intelligence Capabilities of the United States Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction
(Silberman - Robb Report)
Overview
   (PDF) 109KB
Full Report
   (PDF) 3.4MB
Presidential Commission A report prepared by a bipartisan panel assessing the U.S. Intelligence Community's pre-war judgments on Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and detailing 79 recommendations for improving the U.S. Intelligence Community Did Congress have the same intelligence information as the White House prior to the October 2002 congressional vote authorizing the use of force in Iraq?
Jan. 2005
Iraq: Electoral Fact Sheet (PDF) 160KB
United Nations' Electoral Assistance Division An assessment of elections and electoral process in Iraq prior to the Jan 30, 2005 elections Will plans for democracy in Iraq succeed?
Sep. 30, 2004

(Addenda - Mar. 2005)

Comprehensive Report of the Special Advisor to the DCI on Iraq's WMD
(Duelfer Report)
Key Findings
   (PDF) 194KB Volume 1
   (PDF) 52.6MB
Volume 2
   (PDF) 74.3MB Volume 3
   (PDF) 68.3MB
Addenda Notes
   (PDF) 17KB
Addendums
   (PDF) 783KB
Iraq Survey Group A comprehensive picture of the weapons of mass destruction programs that existed under the Saddam Hussein regime for the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) Did Saddam Hussein try to acquire uranium yellowcake or aluminum tubes for the purpose of developing nuclear weapons?
July 14, 2004
Review of Intelligence on Weapons of Mass Destruction
(Butler Report)
(PDF) 1.0MB
U.K. House of Commons A report investigating the coverage and accuracy of intelligence regarding Iraqi weapons of mass destruction leading up to Mar. 2003 Did Saddam Hussein have weapons of mass destruction after the 1st Gulf War?
July 7, 2004
Report on The U.S. Intelligence Community's Prewar Intelligence Assessments on Iraq Conclusions
   (PDF) 1.9MB
Full Report
   (PDF) 23.4MB
Select Committee on Intelligence,
U.S. Senate
A formal review of U.S. intelligence on Iraq and Saddam Hussein Which classified intelligence information products are routinely shared with Congress and which ones are not?
June 2004
Rebuilding Iraq: Resources, Security, Governance, Essential Services, and Oversight Issues (PDF) 3.7MB
U.S. Government Accountability Office A report focusing on issues associated with Iraq's resources, security, governance, and essential services Can the cost of war with Iraq (and its aftermath) be estimated?
Mar. 30, 2004
Testimony to the U.S. Congress (HTML)
Charles A. Duelfer,
Director of Central Intelligence Special Advisor for Strategy regarding Iraqi Weapons of Mass Destruction Programs
Addresses Congress on the Iraq Survey Group and the investigation of Iraq’s weapons of mass destruction capabilities What is known about Saddam Hussein's use of weapons of mass destruction?
Mar. 10, 2004
Iraq: One Year On (PDF) 223KB
Panel at the Brookings Institution A forum taking a look back at the first year of the Iraq War to assess some of the lessons learned and some of the implications for going forward Chronology of the U.S.-Iraq War, 2000-2007
Mar. 8, 2004
Law of Administration for the State of Iraq for the Transitional Period (PDF) 262KB
Coalition Provisional Authority The Iraqi provisional constitution Will plans for democracy in Iraq succeed?
Mar. 4, 2004
Testimony to the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services (PDF) 82KB
John Abizaid,
Commander of U.S. Central Command
A report on the state of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) and the Global War on Terror How is the war in Iraq expected to impact global terrorism?
Mar. 2004
Iraq Country Analysis Brief (PDF) 262KB
Energy Information Administration, Department of Energy An overview of the energy situation in Iraq To what extent has the money for Iraq's reconstruction been spent?
Feb. 24, 2004
Statement For the Record to the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (PDF) 194KB
Lowell E. Jacoby,
Director of Defense Intelligence Agency
A statement to the Senate regarding current and projected national security threats What are the 2002 and 2006 U.S. National Security Strategies?
Feb. 24, 2004
Testimony to the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (PDF) 1.3MB
George Tenet,
Director of Central Intelligence Agency
A briefing discussing challenges of threat in a changing global context Did Saddam Hussein and his regime pose a threat to the United States and its allies?
Jan. 28, 2004
Testimony to the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (PDF) 139KB
David Kay,
Head of Iraq Survey Group
Addresses the Senate regarding Iraqi Weapons of Mass Destruction Programs What are the 2002 and 2006 U.S. National Security Strategies?
Jan. 2004
Paying for Iraq's Reconstruction (PDF) 1.2MB
Congressional Budget Office A report examining the key resource issues related to Iraq’s recovery What are the cost estimates of the Iraq War?
Oct. 2, 2003
Testimony to the U.S. Congress (HTML)
David Kay,
Head of Iraq Survey Group
A statement on the Interim Progress Report on the activities of the Iraq Survey Group Did Saddam Hussein have weapons of mass destruction after the 1st Gulf War?
Oct.
2003
Global Terrorism After the War (PDF) 72KB
United States Institute of Peace A report on the future of the fight against global terrorism after the war on Iraq How is the war in Iraq expected to impact global terrorism?
Sep. 2003
Iraq Weapons of Mass Destruction- Intelligence and Assessments (PDF) 600KB
Intelligence and Security Committee,
U.K. House of Commons
A British assessment of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction Did Saddam Hussein have weapons of mass destruction after the 1st Gulf War?
Aug. 11, 2003
Statement on the 2002 National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) (PDF) 25KB
George Tenet, Director of Central Intelligence A statement by George Tenet supporting the judgments of the 2002 NIE on Iraq’s Continuing Programs for Weapons of Mass Destruction What do the 2002, 2004, 2006, Jan. 2007, and Aug. 2007 National Intelligence Estimates (NIE) report?
July
2003
The Decision to Go to War in Iraq (PDF) 1.0MB
Foreign Affairs Committee,
U.K. House of Commons
A report assessing whether the U.K. government presented accurate and complete information to Parliament in the period leading up to military action in Iraq Did Saddam Hussein and his regime pose a threat to the United States and its allies?
May 28, 2003
Iraqi Mobile Biological Warfare Agent Production Plants (PDF) 1.0MB
Central Intelligence Agency/
Defense Intelligence Agency
An assessment of Iraq's mobile biological warfare production Did Saddam Hussein develop and maintain mobile labs for the purpose of biological and chemical weapon production?
May 15, 2003
Rebuilding Iraq (PDF) 1.8MB
U.S. Government Accountability Office A report focusing on issues in Iraq associated with humanitarian relief, peacekeeping, and economic and political reform How has the Iraq War affected the safety and security of Iraqis?
Mar. 17, 2003

Mar. 7, 2003

One Page Summary Response

Goldsmith Memo

Summary (HTML)

(PDF) 692KB

Downing Street Attorney General Peter Goldsmith's 13 page memo to Tony Blair, discussing the legality of war in Iraq.
One page summary response to Parliament on legal basis for war
Did Saddam Hussein's violation of United Nation Security Council resolutions justify Iraq's invasion?
Feb. 27, 2003
Hearing on the Department of Defense Budget Priorities for Fiscal Year 2004 (PDF) 228KB
Committee on the Budget
U.S. House of Representatives
108 Congress, 1st Session
Hearing before the U.S. House of Representatives regarding the 2004 defense budget What are the cost estimates of the Iraq War?
Feb. 11, 2003
The Worldwide Threat in 2003: Evolving Dangers in a Complex World (HTML)
George Tenet,
Director of Central Intelligence Agency
The Director of Central Intelligence's briefing on the national security threat in 2003 Did Saddam Hussein have links to Al Qaeda?
Feb. 5, 2003
Presentation to the United Nations Security Council (HTML)
Colin Powell,
U.S. Secretary of State
Reviews the situation with respect to Iraq and its disarmament obligations under U.N. Security Council Resolution 1441 What is known about Saddam Hussein's use of weapons of mass destruction?
Jan. 2003
Apparatus of Lies: Saddam's Disinformation and Propaganda, 1990-2003 (PDF) 4.0MB
White House Office of Global Communications A report that examines the facts behind Iraqi disinformation and propaganda from 1990 to 2003 Did Saddam Hussein and his regime pose a threat to the United States and its allies?
Dec. 10, 2002
Iraq: Weapons Threat, Compliance, Sanctions, and U.S. Policy (PDF) 84KB
Congressional Research Service/
Library of Congress
An issue brief analyzing Iraq's weapons threat, sanctions against Iraq and U.S. policy toward Iraq Why did the U.N. impose sanctions on Iraq, and how long were they to last?
Dec. 2, 2002
Saddam Hussein: Crimes and Human Rights Abuses (PDF) 197KB
U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office An analysis on the extent of Saddam Hussein's human rights abuses Did the humanitarian crisis in Iraq warrant invervention?
Dec. 2002
National Strategy to Combat Weapons of Mass Destruction (PDF) 414KB
National Security Administration A report on the strategy of the U.S. for countering weapons of mass destruction What is known about Saddam Hussein's use of weapons of mass destruction?
Nov. 8, 2002
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1441 (PDF) 58KB
United Nations Security Council A resolution giving Iraq "a final opportunity to comply with its disarmament obligations under relevant resolutions of the Council." Did Saddam Hussein's violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions justify Iraq's invasion?
Oct. 16, 2002
Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 2002 (PDF) 58KB
U.S. Congress Joint congressional legislation authorizing the President to use the U.S. Armed Forces to defend U.S. national security against the Iraq threat Was the phrase "imminent threat" used or implied by the Bush Administration before the invasion?
Oct.
2002
National Intelligence Estimate: Iraq's Continuing Programs for Weapons of Mass Destruction Key Judgments
   (PDF) 384KB
Full Report
  (PDF) 833KB
Version released to the public
  (PDF) 2.3MB
National Intelligence Council A coordinated intelligence community judgment addressing all of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction programs; all agency views were represented and dissenting opinions were noted Did Saddam Hussein try to acquire uranium yellowcake or aluminum tubes for the purpose of developing nuclear weapons?
Sep. 23, 2002
Assessing the Cost of Military Action Against Iraq: Using Desert Shield/Desert Storm as a Basis for Estimates (PDF) 438KB
Democratic Caucus of the House Budget Committee An assessment focusing on estimating the costs of the initial military operation in Iraq Can the cost of war with Iraq (and its aftermath) be estimated?
Sep. 18, 2002
U.S. Use of Preemptive Military Force (PDF) 27KB
Congressional Research Service A review of the historical record regarding the uses of U.S. military force in a “preemptive” manner What constitutes preemptive military action according to the Bush Doctrine?
Sep. 12, 2002
A Decade of Deception and Defiance: Saddam Hussein's Defiance of the United Nations (PDF) 27KB
U.S. Department of State A background paper for President George W. Bush's Sep. 12, 2002 speech to the U.N. General Assembly; provides specific examples of how Saddam Hussein had violated 16 U.N. Security Council resolutions over the previous decade Did Saddam Hussein's violation of United Nation Security Council resolutions justify Iraq's invasion?
Sep. 2002
The National Security Strategy of the United States of America (PDF) 358KB
The White House A report from the Bush Administration to Congress setting out the nation's strategic security objectives What is a U.S. National Security Strategy?
Sep. 2002
Combating Terrorism: Department of State Programs to Combat Terrorism Abroad (PDF) 5.6MB
U.S. Government Accountability Office A report created to assist congressional committees in overseeing the State Department’s leadership of U.S. programs to combat terrorism abroad How is the war in Iraq expected to impact global terrorism?
Sep. 2002
Iraq's Weapons of Mass Destruction: The Assessment of the British Government (PDF) 429KB
United Kingdom Joint Intelligence Committee An assessment Saddam Hussein's pursuit of biological, chemical, and nuclear weapons Did Saddam Hussein develop and maintain mobile labs for the purpose of biological and chemical weapon production?
Aug. 1 -
July 31, 2002
Hearings to Examine Threats, Responses, and Regional Considerations Surrounding Iraq (PDF) 4MB
Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate 107th Congress Discusses the threat from Iraq, an appropriate response to a threat, ally reactions, and responsibilities of aftermath if Saddam Hussein is deposed Did Saddam Hussein and his regime pose an immediate or imminent threat?
July 23, 2002

July 21, 2002

The Downing Street Memo

Iraq: Conditions for Military Action

(HTML)
(July 23, 2002)

(HTML)
(July 21, 2002)

Downing Street The "Iraq" paper was prepared by U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair's staff in preparation for a July 23 meeting with his national security team

The "Memo" is the minutes of U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair's meeting with his national security team

Did Saddam Hussein and his regime pose a threat to the United States and its allies?

II. RELATED DOCUMENTS, 1994-2006

TOP

Date Issued

Document

Source

Description

Related ProCon.org Links

Sep. 2006
9/11 Five Years Later: Successes and Challenges (PDF) 249KB
U.S. Department of State A report issued by the State Department evaluating its counterterrorism efforts Did Al Qaeda's attack on September 11, 2001 justify the Bush Administration's decision to attack Iraq?
Apr. 2006
Trends in Global Terrorism: Implications for the United States (PDF) 66KB
National Intelligence Council Declassified key judgements on the Global War on Terror How is the war in Iraq expected to impact global terrorism?
Dec. 2004
Mapping the Global Future (PDF) 7.3MB
National Intelligence Council's 2020 Project The third unclassified report, after "Global Trends 2010" from 1997 and "Global Trends" 2015 from 2000, that takes a long-term view of the future Has the Iraq War made America safer?
July 22, 2004
The 9/11 Commission Report Executive Summary
   (PDF) 269KB
Full Report
   (PDF) 2.4MB
National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States A report that provides a complete account of the circumstances surrounding the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks Was Saddam Hussein involved with the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon?
Sep. 2002
Combating Terrorism: Department of State Programs to Combat Terrorism Abroad (PDF) 5.6MB
U.S. Government Accountability Office A report assisting the U.S. House of Representative's committees in overseeing the State Department’s leadership of U.S. programs to combat terrorism abroad What is terrorism?
Nov. 2001
U.S. Foreign Policy Agenda: Threat Assessment, Countermeasures and Policy (PDF) 709KB
U.S. Department of State An electronic journal of the U.S. State Department Did Saddam Hussein and his regime pose an immediate or imminent threat?
Declassified Documents Relating to 9/11 Commission hearings:
  • Jan. 25, 2001 Memo from Richard A. Clarke to Condoleezza Rice  (PDF) 100KB
  • Aug. 6, 2001 Presidential Daily Brief: "Bin Ladin Determined To Strike in US" (PDF) 214KB
  • Dec. 2000 Strategy Paper from Richard A. Clarke: "Strategy for Eliminating the Threat from the Jihadist Networks of al Qida: Status and Prospects" (PDF) 458KB
  • Did Saddam Hussein have links to Al Qaeda?
    Oct. 31, 1998
    Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 (HR 4655)

    Statement by U.S. Bill Clinton President

    (PDF) 709KB

    (HTML)

    U.S. House of Representatives

    President Bill Clinton

    Legislation giving the U.S. President authorization to provide assistance to the Iraqi democratic opposition organizations

    Statement made before the signing the legislation on Oct. 31, 1998

    Will plans for democracy in Iraq succeed?
    May 25, 1994
    U.S. Chemical and Biological Warfare-related Dual Use Exports to Iraq and Their Possible Impact on the Health Consequences of the Persian Gulf War
    (Riegle Report)
    (PDF) 3.9MB
    Donald W. Riegle, Jr. and Alfonse M. D'Amato of the House Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs A research report of Gulf War illnesses from the first Gulf War as reported by Gulf War veterans; details exports from the U.S. to Iraq, including Bacillus Anthracis and Clostridium botulinum To what extent did the U.S. supply Iraq with materials used to create weapons of mass destruction?
    Feb. 7, 1994
    Iraq: U.S. Military Items Exported or Transferred to Iraq in the 1980s (PDF) 1.3MB
    U.S. Government Accountability Office A report on the U.S. policy toward Iraq for sales of dual-use items since 1980 History of Iraq - Timeline from Pre-History to 1999: U.S. Dual-Use Licenses

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