What was the key outcome of the U.S. and allied countries engaging Hussein and his forces between 2001 and 2011?

The key outcome of the U.S. and allied countries engaging with Saddam Hussein and his forces between 2001 and 2011 was the deposition of Hussein and the establishment of a new democratic government in Iraq. Following the invasion in 2003, coalition forces were able to dismantle Hussein's regime, which had been in power for decades, marked by authoritarian rule and human rights violations. This military operation aimed not only to remove Hussein but also to pave the way for a new political structure in Iraq, encouraging the development of democratic institutions and processes.

The aftermath of Hussein's removal included significant challenges, such as sectarian violence and the struggle to create a stable and effective government. While the intention was to foster democracy, the process was fraught with difficulties, underscoring the complexities of nation-building. The answer captures this crucial shift from a dictatorship to an attempt at democratic governance within the region, highlighting the historical significance of the U.S. intervention.