The Iraq War (2003-2011) Exhibit Now Open at Criss Library

In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the March 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, this exhibit offers visitors a high-level view of the Iraq War. From the immediate runup to the War post 9-11 through the pullout of military personnel at the end of 2011, viewers will get a glimpse of major themes and points on the timeline.

Chuck Hagel served as U.S. Senator from 1997 to 2009 and as U.S. Secretary of Defense from 2013 to 2015. As Senator, Hagel served on the Foreign Relations and Intelligence committees. Most of the records in this exhibit stem from this service. Included is the search for weapons of mass destruction, the early months of the invasion, abuse of Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib Prison, the growing sectarian violence, reconstruction and stabilization efforts, government transitions, and major changes in the number of military personnel serving in Iraq.

Given the complexity of the Iraq War and the space available for the exhibit, there are a number of significant topics not included. Among these are: details of military operations and involvement of coalition forces; a full accounting of civilian costs and the refugee crisis; histories of the Islamic State/ISIS, al-Qaeda, and the Taliban; and the return of a U.S.-led military coalition in 2014 to help push back ISIS at the invitation of the Iraqi government.

Please note, there is one disturbing image in the exhibit, a magazine cover photo of Iraqis walking among partially wrapped bodies removed from Saddam Hussein-era mass graves.

This exhibit was curated by Lori Schwartz, Hagel and Technical Services Archivist / Assistant Professor. Coming Fall 2023 is The War in Afghanistan, 2001-2021: an exhibit from the Hagel Archives.

Near this exhibit on the first floor of Criss Library is a small display, Yazidis in Iraq, 2014. It narrates in a very limited sense the Yazidi Genocide perpetrated by ISIS. For a fuller retelling, visit Nobody’s Listening, an immersive exhibit in the UNO Art Gallery in Weber featuring art, artifacts, and virtual reality on view through February 23, 2023.

Now Open for Research  

Hagel’s records are used for research, instruction, and exhibits. Visitors may use the Hagel Archives in Archives and Special Collections, Monday-Friday 9am – 5pm. We recommend researchers contact archivists in advance for help in selecting material. Information is available at U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel Archives. 

The Hagel Archives cover legislative issues and topics of national and international prominence that arose from 1997 to 2009, including the Clinton impeachment in 1998-1999, a contested presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore in 2000, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the economic downtown of 2007-2009, and disaster and drought assistance for rural areas.