There are certain moments in history that are so significant that they become Turning Points, moments that put a bookmark in time and cause the events that follow to be measured by a different standard. From natural disasters caused by extreme climate changes to the rise of social media, from the War in Iraq to the current global refugee crisis, such times are often fraught with conflict and tension. This series puts each event in its historical context and follows the trajectory of its immediate aftermath and continuing global effects today. A timeline adds further historical context, while "Pointing Out" sidebars present related topics and perspectives. A historical account of Operation Iraqi Freedom, including the events leading up to the 2002 conflict, the people involved, the political instability and insurgency that arose, and the lingering aftermath.