The Iraq War Gets Re-Branded "Operation New Dawn"

The Iraq War, which is also known as "Operation Iraqi Freedom", began on March 20, 2003 and is still going strong. Come September 1, 2010, when combat troops begin to leave Iraq, the war will be officially renamed "Operation New Dawn."

In a memo to Central Command commander Gen. David Petraeus, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates informed him of the name change. Gates said that by changing the name at the same time as the change of mission, the U.S. would be sending a "strong signal" that "our forces are operating under a new mission."

Gates also writes that the move "also presents opportunities to synchronize strategic communication initiatives, reinforce our commitment to honor the Security Agreement, and recognize our evolving relationship with the Government of Iraq."

The name change has received criticism from those who state that a simple name chance doesn't end the war itself, and is more of a public relations move than anything.