Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original Iraqi national flag in the 1991-2004 Saddam-era pattern, reportedly brought back during the 2003 invasion of Iraq and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Measuring approximately 31” high x 48” wide, the flag is constructed from lightweight synthetic fabric with a single-sided printed design and decorative gold-colored fringe along three sides. The red, white, and black horizontal tricolor retains its three green stars and the green Arabic takbīr, placing the design squarely within the form in official Iraqi use at the time Coalition forces entered Iraq in 2003.

After the Persian Gulf War Ended, this flag was retained until 2004, when the U.S.-appointed Iraqi interim administration modified the existing flag. The basic form of the existing flag was retained; however, the takbīr was rendered in traditional stylized Kufic script, as opposed to the handwriting of Saddam Hussein, which was offensive to the majority of Iraqi citizens.

This particular example is single-sided and constructed of synthetic silk cloth, with screen-printed stars and Arabic writing. The flag measures 31"H x 48"W, with a decorative gold colored fringe around 3 out of 4 sides of the flag. The condition is excellent, with minimal wear or damage.

With its 1991-2004 Saddam-era national design, handwritten-style takbīr, three green stars, single-sided synthetic construction, decorative gold fringe, excellent condition, and reported association with the 2003 invasion of Iraq, this is a particularly representative artifact of the opening phase of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the final period of Ba’athist rule in Iraq.