Iraq has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, often referred to as the cradle of civilization. It was home to the Sumerians, who developed one of the first writing systems, cuneiform, around 3200 BCE. The region also saw the rise of powerful empires, including the Babylonian and Assyrian empires, which made significant contributions to law, literature, and architecture. In the 20th century, Iraq underwent major political changes, including the establishment of a monarchy in 1921 and later a republic in 1958. The country faced significant challenges, including the Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s and the Gulf War in 1990-1991. In 2003, the U.S.-led invasion resulted in the toppling of Saddam Hussein, leading to ongoing conflict and efforts for reconstruction.