Which two groups comprised the insurgency in Iraq after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein?

The correct answer is that the insurgency in Iraq after the overthrow of Saddam Hussein was primarily comprised of Hussein loyalists and non-Iraqi Islamist fighters. After the fall of the Baathist regime, various groups emerged to resist the newly established government and the presence of U.S. forces.

Loyalists to Saddam Hussein sought to restore the former regime, often collaborating with former members of the Baath Party and military personnel who were disillusioned or marginalized by the new government. Concurrently, non-Iraqi Islamist fighters, including members of organizations like al-Qaeda, traveled to Iraq to support the insurgency, driven by ideological motivations to oppose foreign occupation and promote their extremist agenda.

This combination of internal and external elements created a complex insurgent landscape characterized by a blend of nationalist and religious motivations. The dynamics of these groups significantly influenced the course of the insurgency, leading to heightened sectarian violence and a protracted conflict that complicated reconstruction efforts in Iraq.