The Iraq Olympic headquarters burns behind a statue of Saddam Hussein as the government fled the city and looters moved in, just hours before the U.S military took over central Baghdad. April 9, 2003.
       
     
  Cadets from the Iraq Police Academy, march at a pro-Saddam Hussein rally before the start of 'Shock and Awe'. Baghdad, February 2003.
       
     
 A Baghdad resident, relieved to see the arrival of U.S military, greets a soldier with a bouquet of artificial flowers close to Saddam City. Baghdad, Iraq, April 9, 2003.
       
     
 As U.S military engineers pull down a statue of Saddam Hussein in central Baghdad, a soldier keeps back a crowd also waiting to destroy the icon of the deposed ousted Iraqi leader. Baghdad, April 9, 2003.
       
     
 U.S. tank commander, Lt. Tim McLaughlin holds his copy of the United States constitution and a folded 'Stars and Stripes' flag, which he brought to Iraq from the rubble of the Pentagon following the 9/11 attack. The flag was later placed over the he
       
     
 A U.S. army engineer places a 'Stars and Stripes' flag over the head of a Saddam Hussein statue prior to being pulled down.  The flag was removed, before the statue was toppled in central Baghdad. April 9, 2003.
       
     
 A US Marine puts a shotgun to the head of a man accused by locals, as being a corrupt business associate of Uday Hussein, Saddam's son. The arrest took place following a street brawl in Karrada, Baghdad, April 2003.
       
     
 A U.S. soldier stands guard near to the destroyed U.N. building in Baghdad, Iraq, following a suicide, truck bomb attack, killing many inside including the head of the mission.  Baghdad, August 2003.
       
     
 An injured U.N. employee walks away from the destroyed U.N. building in Baghdad, Iraq, following a suicide, truck bomb attack, killing many inside including the head of the mission.  Baghdad, August 2003.
       
     
 A U.S. Marine officer inspects a lorry carrying abandoned Iraqi surface-to-air missiles on a main road leading into the city.  Baghdad, April 2009.
       
     
 British soldiers fold away the Union flag following a 'Transfer of Authority' ceremony at the main coalition base at Basra airport, Iraq. The British handed over power to their U.S. partners, April 2009.
       
     
 A British military band wait to play at the 'Transfer of Authority' ceremony at Basra airport, the main coalition base in southern Iraq. British responsibility for the region was handed over to the U.S. military. April, 2009.
       
     
 Life returning to 'normal' in Basra, southern Iraq, as families enjoyed the start of their weekend at a fun-fair on the corniche.  April, 2009.
       
     
 Young children play at an engagement party in Basra, southern Iraq, as confidence that peace and normality are returning grows.  April 2010.   
       
     
 The Iraqi national rowing team training, late afternoon, on the River Tigris which flows through Baghdad. With remnants of war ever present, the sense of life returning to normal in the capital was growing more and more. August, 2010.
       
     
 The Iraqi national coxless four rowing team leave the river Tigris after a training session. The Iraqi flag on their rowing blades. Baghdad, August 2010.
       
     
 Peshmerga soldiers were amongst the first to vote in Iraq's presidential elections, Baghdad, March 2010.
       
     
 An Iraqi casts his vote at a polling station in the Karada district of Baghdad, in the country's presidential elections.  March 2010.
       
     
  A U.S. soldier enters one of the many 'luxury' villas in Saddam Hussein's palace complex on the banks of the river Tigris in Baghdad, a day after the American's 'liberated' the city. April 2003.
       
     
 U.S. soldier, Felicia Harris, spontaneously jumps onto a bed in one of many 'luxury' villa's in Saddam Hussein's complex, as it was entered for the first time after the U.S. military took over Baghdad.  April 2003.
       
     
 Sunni, Iraq election candidate, Sheikh Erfan Saddon Al-Erfan complete with security at a political rally in Falluja, Iraq. March 2010.
       
     
 Anti government protesters at a camp in Anbar province, Iraq, pray at dusk, as they continue their ten week protest their against Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki.  Ramadi, Iraq, March 2013.
       
     
 Anti government protesters at a camp in Anbar province, Iraq, pray at dusk, as they continue their ten week protest their against Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki.  Ramadi, Iraq, March 2013.
       
     
 Teenage boys climb over discarded, American vehicles at a scrapyard full of 'salvaged' items from US bases near Taji, Iraq. December 2011.
       
     
 A teenage boy jumps from a discarded, American vehicle at a scrapyard full of 'salvaged' items from US bases near Taji, Iraq. December 2011.
       
     
 U.S. General Frank Helmick, right, the second most senior officer in Iraq, in good spirits with Iraqi Generals following the ceremony marking the Americans end of mission in Iraq. Baghdad airport December 2011.
       
     
 US Forces standard bearers arrive at the ceremony marking the Americans end of mission in Iraq, at Baghdad airport. December 2011.
       
     
 A US soldier removes flags for the last time following the ceremony marking the Americans end of mission in Iraq.  Baghdad airport, December 2011.
       
     
 Women worshippers leave the Imam Ali shrine in the city of Najaf, Iraq. August 2010.
       
     
 Iranian women worshippers pray and read the Quran at the Imam Ali shrine in the city of Najaf, Iraq. August 2010.
       
     
 Imam Ali shrine in the city of Najaf, Iraq. August 2010.   
       
     
 Iraqi Shia muslims pray at the Al-Abbas shrine in the city of Kerbala. October 2002.
       
     
 Women pilgrims from Iran look on as men pray at the restored al-Askari shrine in Samarra, Iraq.  March 2010
       
     
 Women pilgrims at the restored shrine of al-Askari in Samarra, Iraq. March 2010.
       
     
 A mother with children enjoy the start of the weekend at a fun-fair on the banks of River Tigris, Baghdad. Almost ten years previously, the U.S. army were 'liberating' the city.  March 2013.
       
     
 Christians pray at 'St. Joseph's' Anglican church in Baghdad, Iraq. The Christian population of Iraq has depleted dramatically in the past decade, with many leaving the country.  March 2013.
       
     
 The congregation listen to a sermon at the 'Sacred Heart' church in Baghdad, Iraq. March 2013.
       
     
 Anglican Priest, Faiz Bashir, blesses a member of his congregation following a service at 'St. Joseph's' church in Baghdad. March 2013
       
     
 A choir member at the Anglican 'St. Joseph's' church in Baghdad hold up a silver pendant made in the shape of Iraq and bearing a cross. The Christian population of Iraq depleted dramatically in the past decade, with many leaving the country.  M
       
     
 Christians attend a service at 'St. Joseph's' church in Baghdad. The Christian population of Iraq has depleted dramatically in the past decade, with most leaving the country. March 2013.
       
     
 Christians attend a service at 'St. Joseph's' church in Baghdad. The Christian population of Iraq has depleted dramatically in the past decade, with most leaving the country. March 2013.
       
     
 Razor wire forms part of the security protecting the 'Sacred Heart' church in Baghdad, Iraq. The Christian population of Iraq has depleted dramatically in the past decade, many fleeing the country. March 2013.
       
     
 The Iraq Olympic headquarters burns behind a statue of Saddam Hussein as the government fled the city and looters moved in, just hours before the U.S military took over central Baghdad. April 9, 2003.
       
     

The Iraq Olympic headquarters burns behind a statue of Saddam Hussein as the government fled the city and looters moved in, just hours before the U.S military took over central Baghdad. April 9, 2003.

  Cadets from the Iraq Police Academy, march at a pro-Saddam Hussein rally before the start of 'Shock and Awe'. Baghdad, February 2003.
       
     


Cadets from the Iraq Police Academy, march at a pro-Saddam Hussein rally before the start of 'Shock and Awe'. Baghdad, February 2003.

 A Baghdad resident, relieved to see the arrival of U.S military, greets a soldier with a bouquet of artificial flowers close to Saddam City. Baghdad, Iraq, April 9, 2003.
       
     

A Baghdad resident, relieved to see the arrival of U.S military, greets a soldier with a bouquet of artificial flowers close to Saddam City. Baghdad, Iraq, April 9, 2003.

 As U.S military engineers pull down a statue of Saddam Hussein in central Baghdad, a soldier keeps back a crowd also waiting to destroy the icon of the deposed ousted Iraqi leader. Baghdad, April 9, 2003.
       
     

As U.S military engineers pull down a statue of Saddam Hussein in central Baghdad, a soldier keeps back a crowd also waiting to destroy the icon of the deposed ousted Iraqi leader. Baghdad, April 9, 2003.

 U.S. tank commander, Lt. Tim McLaughlin holds his copy of the United States constitution and a folded 'Stars and Stripes' flag, which he brought to Iraq from the rubble of the Pentagon following the 9/11 attack. The flag was later placed over the he
       
     

U.S. tank commander, Lt. Tim McLaughlin holds his copy of the United States constitution and a folded 'Stars and Stripes' flag, which he brought to Iraq from the rubble of the Pentagon following the 9/11 attack. The flag was later placed over the head of Saddam Hussein's statue which was felled in central Baghdad.  Baghdad, April 9, 2003.

 A U.S. army engineer places a 'Stars and Stripes' flag over the head of a Saddam Hussein statue prior to being pulled down.  The flag was removed, before the statue was toppled in central Baghdad. April 9, 2003.
       
     

A U.S. army engineer places a 'Stars and Stripes' flag over the head of a Saddam Hussein statue prior to being pulled down.  The flag was removed, before the statue was toppled in central Baghdad. April 9, 2003.

 A US Marine puts a shotgun to the head of a man accused by locals, as being a corrupt business associate of Uday Hussein, Saddam's son. The arrest took place following a street brawl in Karrada, Baghdad, April 2003.
       
     

A US Marine puts a shotgun to the head of a man accused by locals, as being a corrupt business associate of Uday Hussein, Saddam's son. The arrest took place following a street brawl in Karrada, Baghdad, April 2003.

 A U.S. soldier stands guard near to the destroyed U.N. building in Baghdad, Iraq, following a suicide, truck bomb attack, killing many inside including the head of the mission.  Baghdad, August 2003.
       
     

A U.S. soldier stands guard near to the destroyed U.N. building in Baghdad, Iraq, following a suicide, truck bomb attack, killing many inside including the head of the mission.  Baghdad, August 2003.

 An injured U.N. employee walks away from the destroyed U.N. building in Baghdad, Iraq, following a suicide, truck bomb attack, killing many inside including the head of the mission.  Baghdad, August 2003.
       
     

An injured U.N. employee walks away from the destroyed U.N. building in Baghdad, Iraq, following a suicide, truck bomb attack, killing many inside including the head of the mission.  Baghdad, August 2003.

 A U.S. Marine officer inspects a lorry carrying abandoned Iraqi surface-to-air missiles on a main road leading into the city.  Baghdad, April 2009.
       
     

A U.S. Marine officer inspects a lorry carrying abandoned Iraqi surface-to-air missiles on a main road leading into the city.  Baghdad, April 2009.

 British soldiers fold away the Union flag following a 'Transfer of Authority' ceremony at the main coalition base at Basra airport, Iraq. The British handed over power to their U.S. partners, April 2009.
       
     

British soldiers fold away the Union flag following a 'Transfer of Authority' ceremony at the main coalition base at Basra airport, Iraq. The British handed over power to their U.S. partners, April 2009.

 A British military band wait to play at the 'Transfer of Authority' ceremony at Basra airport, the main coalition base in southern Iraq. British responsibility for the region was handed over to the U.S. military. April, 2009.
       
     

A British military band wait to play at the 'Transfer of Authority' ceremony at Basra airport, the main coalition base in southern Iraq. British responsibility for the region was handed over to the U.S. military. April, 2009.

 Life returning to 'normal' in Basra, southern Iraq, as families enjoyed the start of their weekend at a fun-fair on the corniche.  April, 2009.
       
     

Life returning to 'normal' in Basra, southern Iraq, as families enjoyed the start of their weekend at a fun-fair on the corniche.  April, 2009.

 Young children play at an engagement party in Basra, southern Iraq, as confidence that peace and normality are returning grows.  April 2010.   
       
     

Young children play at an engagement party in Basra, southern Iraq, as confidence that peace and normality are returning grows.  April 2010.

 

 The Iraqi national rowing team training, late afternoon, on the River Tigris which flows through Baghdad. With remnants of war ever present, the sense of life returning to normal in the capital was growing more and more. August, 2010.
       
     

The Iraqi national rowing team training, late afternoon, on the River Tigris which flows through Baghdad. With remnants of war ever present, the sense of life returning to normal in the capital was growing more and more. August, 2010.

 The Iraqi national coxless four rowing team leave the river Tigris after a training session. The Iraqi flag on their rowing blades. Baghdad, August 2010.
       
     

The Iraqi national coxless four rowing team leave the river Tigris after a training session. The Iraqi flag on their rowing blades. Baghdad, August 2010.

 Peshmerga soldiers were amongst the first to vote in Iraq's presidential elections, Baghdad, March 2010.
       
     

Peshmerga soldiers were amongst the first to vote in Iraq's presidential elections, Baghdad, March 2010.

 An Iraqi casts his vote at a polling station in the Karada district of Baghdad, in the country's presidential elections.  March 2010.
       
     

An Iraqi casts his vote at a polling station in the Karada district of Baghdad, in the country's presidential elections.  March 2010.

  A U.S. soldier enters one of the many 'luxury' villas in Saddam Hussein's palace complex on the banks of the river Tigris in Baghdad, a day after the American's 'liberated' the city. April 2003.
       
     


A U.S. soldier enters one of the many 'luxury' villas in Saddam Hussein's palace complex on the banks of the river Tigris in Baghdad, a day after the American's 'liberated' the city. April 2003.

 U.S. soldier, Felicia Harris, spontaneously jumps onto a bed in one of many 'luxury' villa's in Saddam Hussein's complex, as it was entered for the first time after the U.S. military took over Baghdad.  April 2003.
       
     

U.S. soldier, Felicia Harris, spontaneously jumps onto a bed in one of many 'luxury' villa's in Saddam Hussein's complex, as it was entered for the first time after the U.S. military took over Baghdad.  April 2003.

 Sunni, Iraq election candidate, Sheikh Erfan Saddon Al-Erfan complete with security at a political rally in Falluja, Iraq. March 2010.
       
     

Sunni, Iraq election candidate, Sheikh Erfan Saddon Al-Erfan complete with security at a political rally in Falluja, Iraq. March 2010.

 Anti government protesters at a camp in Anbar province, Iraq, pray at dusk, as they continue their ten week protest their against Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki.  Ramadi, Iraq, March 2013.
       
     

Anti government protesters at a camp in Anbar province, Iraq, pray at dusk, as they continue their ten week protest their against Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki.  Ramadi, Iraq, March 2013.

 Anti government protesters at a camp in Anbar province, Iraq, pray at dusk, as they continue their ten week protest their against Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki.  Ramadi, Iraq, March 2013.
       
     

Anti government protesters at a camp in Anbar province, Iraq, pray at dusk, as they continue their ten week protest their against Prime Minister, Nouri al-Maliki.  Ramadi, Iraq, March 2013.

 Teenage boys climb over discarded, American vehicles at a scrapyard full of 'salvaged' items from US bases near Taji, Iraq. December 2011.
       
     

Teenage boys climb over discarded, American vehicles at a scrapyard full of 'salvaged' items from US bases near Taji, Iraq. December 2011.

 A teenage boy jumps from a discarded, American vehicle at a scrapyard full of 'salvaged' items from US bases near Taji, Iraq. December 2011.
       
     

A teenage boy jumps from a discarded, American vehicle at a scrapyard full of 'salvaged' items from US bases near Taji, Iraq. December 2011.

 U.S. General Frank Helmick, right, the second most senior officer in Iraq, in good spirits with Iraqi Generals following the ceremony marking the Americans end of mission in Iraq. Baghdad airport December 2011.
       
     

U.S. General Frank Helmick, right, the second most senior officer in Iraq, in good spirits with Iraqi Generals following the ceremony marking the Americans end of mission in Iraq. Baghdad airport December 2011.

 US Forces standard bearers arrive at the ceremony marking the Americans end of mission in Iraq, at Baghdad airport. December 2011.
       
     

US Forces standard bearers arrive at the ceremony marking the Americans end of mission in Iraq, at Baghdad airport. December 2011.

 A US soldier removes flags for the last time following the ceremony marking the Americans end of mission in Iraq.  Baghdad airport, December 2011.
       
     

A US soldier removes flags for the last time following the ceremony marking the Americans end of mission in Iraq.  Baghdad airport, December 2011.

 Women worshippers leave the Imam Ali shrine in the city of Najaf, Iraq. August 2010.
       
     

Women worshippers leave the Imam Ali shrine in the city of Najaf, Iraq. August 2010.

 Iranian women worshippers pray and read the Quran at the Imam Ali shrine in the city of Najaf, Iraq. August 2010.
       
     

Iranian women worshippers pray and read the Quran at the Imam Ali shrine in the city of Najaf, Iraq. August 2010.

 Imam Ali shrine in the city of Najaf, Iraq. August 2010.   
       
     

Imam Ali shrine in the city of Najaf, Iraq. August 2010.

 

 Iraqi Shia muslims pray at the Al-Abbas shrine in the city of Kerbala. October 2002.
       
     

Iraqi Shia muslims pray at the Al-Abbas shrine in the city of Kerbala. October 2002.

 Women pilgrims from Iran look on as men pray at the restored al-Askari shrine in Samarra, Iraq.  March 2010
       
     

Women pilgrims from Iran look on as men pray at the restored al-Askari shrine in Samarra, Iraq.  March 2010

 Women pilgrims at the restored shrine of al-Askari in Samarra, Iraq. March 2010.
       
     

Women pilgrims at the restored shrine of al-Askari in Samarra, Iraq. March 2010.

 A mother with children enjoy the start of the weekend at a fun-fair on the banks of River Tigris, Baghdad. Almost ten years previously, the U.S. army were 'liberating' the city.  March 2013.
       
     

A mother with children enjoy the start of the weekend at a fun-fair on the banks of River Tigris, Baghdad. Almost ten years previously, the U.S. army were 'liberating' the city.  March 2013.

 Christians pray at 'St. Joseph's' Anglican church in Baghdad, Iraq. The Christian population of Iraq has depleted dramatically in the past decade, with many leaving the country.  March 2013.
       
     

Christians pray at 'St. Joseph's' Anglican church in Baghdad, Iraq. The Christian population of Iraq has depleted dramatically in the past decade, with many leaving the country.  March 2013.

 The congregation listen to a sermon at the 'Sacred Heart' church in Baghdad, Iraq. March 2013.
       
     

The congregation listen to a sermon at the 'Sacred Heart' church in Baghdad, Iraq. March 2013.

 Anglican Priest, Faiz Bashir, blesses a member of his congregation following a service at 'St. Joseph's' church in Baghdad. March 2013
       
     

Anglican Priest, Faiz Bashir, blesses a member of his congregation following a service at 'St. Joseph's' church in Baghdad. March 2013

 A choir member at the Anglican 'St. Joseph's' church in Baghdad hold up a silver pendant made in the shape of Iraq and bearing a cross. The Christian population of Iraq depleted dramatically in the past decade, with many leaving the country.  M
       
     

A choir member at the Anglican 'St. Joseph's' church in Baghdad hold up a silver pendant made in the shape of Iraq and bearing a cross. The Christian population of Iraq depleted dramatically in the past decade, with many leaving the country.  March 2013.

 Christians attend a service at 'St. Joseph's' church in Baghdad. The Christian population of Iraq has depleted dramatically in the past decade, with most leaving the country. March 2013.
       
     

Christians attend a service at 'St. Joseph's' church in Baghdad. The Christian population of Iraq has depleted dramatically in the past decade, with most leaving the country. March 2013.

 Christians attend a service at 'St. Joseph's' church in Baghdad. The Christian population of Iraq has depleted dramatically in the past decade, with most leaving the country. March 2013.
       
     

Christians attend a service at 'St. Joseph's' church in Baghdad. The Christian population of Iraq has depleted dramatically in the past decade, with most leaving the country. March 2013.

 Razor wire forms part of the security protecting the 'Sacred Heart' church in Baghdad, Iraq. The Christian population of Iraq has depleted dramatically in the past decade, many fleeing the country. March 2013.
       
     

Razor wire forms part of the security protecting the 'Sacred Heart' church in Baghdad, Iraq. The Christian population of Iraq has depleted dramatically in the past decade, many fleeing the country. March 2013.