Final answer:
Saddam Hussein was the leader of Iraq who went into hiding after the 2003 U.S. invasion and was captured later that year. The invasion led to years of conflict in Iraq, despite early declarations of victory by U.S. President George W. Bush.
Step-by-step explanation:
The leader of Iraq, who went into hiding after the United States invaded his country in 2003 and was then captured, was Saddam Hussein. Operation Iraqi Freedom, led by a U.S.-led coalition, was launched with the intent of removing Hussein from power, amidst concerns of his possession and potential use of weapons of mass destruction.
Following the invasion, despite the early stages of the war suggesting a smooth success for coalition forces, Iraq faced a turbulent period of violence, sectarian strife, and insurgency, which included the rise of al-Qaeda in Iraq and internal conflicts among Sunni and Shia groups.
The overthrow of Hussein's regime led to the formation of an Iraqi Interim Government, the drafting of a new constitution, and democratic elections. However, the aftermath of the invasion did not bring the quick resolution anticipated by the U.S. Proclamations of victory by President George W. Bush, symbolized by the 'Mission Accomplished' banner, were premature as the country plunged into years of conflict that resulted in a high civilian death toll and the tarnishing of America's international reputation.