The international reactions to the plan to invade Iraq in 2003 were diverse and often polarized. Here are some key points reflecting the global response:

1. Support from Allies: The United States, under President George W. Bush, garnered support from several countries, notably the United Kingdom, Australia, and Poland. British Prime Minister Tony Blair was a prominent supporter, emphasizing the need to disarm Saddam Hussein and promote democracy in the Middle East.

2. Opposition from Major Powers: France, Germany, and Russia were among the most vocal opponents of the invasion. They argued that there was insufficient evidence to justify military action and that diplomatic solutions should be pursued instead. French President Jacques Chirac famously stated that military action would be "a mistake."

3. United Nations Stance: The UN Security Council was deeply divided. While some nations supported the U.S. stance, others, including several non-permanent members, called for more inspections and a diplomatic approach. The U.S. ultimately decided to proceed without explicit UN authorization, leading to significant controversy.

4. Public Protests: Global protests erupted before the invasion, with millions of people taking to the streets in cities worldwide, including London, New York, and Sydney, to express their opposition to the war. These protests highlighted widespread public dissent against the invasion.

5. Middle Eastern Reactions: Reactions in the Middle East were largely negative, with many countries expressing fears that the invasion would lead to increased instability in the region. Countries like Iran and Syria condemned the invasion, while others, like Kuwait, were more cautious, given their historical context with Iraq.

6. Long-term Consequences: The invasion and subsequent occupation led to long-term geopolitical shifts, including the rise of extremist groups and ongoing conflict in Iraq, which have influenced international relations and security policies in the region.

For further detailed insights, you can refer to sources like the BBC and Al Jazeera which provide comprehensive coverage of the events surrounding the Iraq War and its international implications.

• BBC: The Iraq War: A Timeline
• Al Jazeera: The Iraq War: A Retrospective

If you have any specific aspect of the reactions you would like to explore further, please let me know!