Opposition to the Iraq War
Significant opposition to the Iraq War occurred worldwide. Both before and during the initial 2003 invasion of Iraq by the United States, United Kingdom, and smaller other nations. Rationales for opposition include the belief that the war is illegal according to the United Nations Charter, or would contribute to instability both within Iraq and the wider Middle East. Critics have also questioned the validity of the war's stated objectives, such as a supposed link between the country's Baathist government and the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, and its possession of weapons of mass destruction (No such weapons have since been found).
Within the
United States, popular opinion on the war has varied significantly with time.
Although there was significant opposition to the idea in the months preceding
the attack, polls taken during the invasion showed that a majority of US
citizens supported their government's action. However, public opinion had
shifted by 2004 to a majority believing that the invasion was a mistake, and
has remained so since then. There has also been significant criticism of the
war from US politicians and national security and military personnel, including
generals who served in the war and have since spoken out against its handling.