Operation Iraqi Freedom was launched in response to what major global issue?

Operation Iraqi Freedom was primarily launched in response to concerns regarding weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) that were believed to be possessed by Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq. This initiative was part of a broader international effort to prevent the proliferation of these dangerous weapons, which posed a significant threat to regional and global security. The U.S. government articulated that the existence of WMDs was a justifiable reason for military action, as it aimed to remove a regime that was seen not only as a dictatorship but also as a destabilizing force in the Middle East.

The focus on WMDs highlighted the urgency of addressing perceived threats following the events of September 11, 2001, which intensified the global fight against terrorism. While elements like dictatorship and human rights violations were certainly part of the larger narrative surrounding the invasion, the immediate justification centered on the potential danger of WMDs. The belief that Iraq possessed, or was pursuing, chemical, biological, and possibly nuclear weapons was pivotal in rallying both domestic and international support for military intervention.