The Iraq conflict began on 20 March 2003 and, although major combat operations ended on 2 May 2003, it was not formally ended until President Obama declared it over in speech on 31 August 2010. Forming a new Iraqi government then proved extremely difficult and, on 1 October 2010, Iraq broke the record for the longest period for a country without a government. It had held parliamentary elections on 7 March 2010 and did not form a government until 21 December 2010 after a total of 289 days.

While it took 249 days for Iraq’s politicians to settle on a draft government agreement, the administration had to wait another 40 days before taking office, hence the total 289 days.