Operation IRAQI FREEDOM

Operation IRAQI FREEDOM is the official U.S. code name for the 2003 invasion of Iraq and continuing operations in the Iraq War. "IRAQI FREEDOM" was an after-the-fact name used to convey a positive image; the actual code name for planning was Operation POLO STEP.

Briefly, it had been called Operation Iraqi Liberation, changed when it was realized the abbreviation would be OIL, which could have undesired connotations.