Final answer:
Operation Iraqi Freedom began on March 19, 2003, as part of a U.S.-led invasion aiming to replace Saddam Hussein's regime with a stable democracy, though challenges persisted following initial control of Iraq.
Step-by-step explanation:
Operation Iraqi Freedom began with the U.S.-led coalition's military invasion of Iraq on March 19, 2003, without an official declaration of war. The initiative aimed to overthrow Saddam Hussein's autocratic regime and establish a democratic government, potentially enhancing regional stability and security for the United States. Noteworthy is that after President George Bush declared "major combat operations in Iraq have ended" aboard an aircraft carrier on May 1, 2003, Iraq was effectively under U.S. control despite ongoing challenges such as the Iraqi insurgency and sectarian strife.