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The Iraq War: A Comprehensive Overview of Its Background and Consequences

The Iraq War, which began on March 20, 2003, was significantly influenced by Iraq's complex history, demographics, and international relations. As one of the largest Arab nations with the second-largest proven oil reserves and a diverse population of Kurds, Sunni, and Shiite Arabs, Iraq's colonial past, particularly under British mandate, set the stage for conflict. The war was justified through various claims, including links to terrorism and weapons of mass destruction. This overview explores the circumstances leading to the war, the military operations involved, and the implications for Iraq and the broader Middle East.

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The Iraq War: A Comprehensive Overview of Its Background and Consequences

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Presentation Transcript

  1. Iraq War

  2. Iraq basics • One of the largest Arab nations in Middle East • 2nd largest proven oil reserves in world • Ethnic Kurds in North--15% • Sunni Arabs, in middle--30% • Shi’ite Arab, in South--50%

  3. Colonial History • After defeat of Ottoman Empire, British Mandate 1918-1930 • 1920, and on--”The Great Iraqi Revolution”

  4. Background: US in the Region • 1979--Iranian Revolution and hostages • Recently emerged Ba’ath Party dictator, Saddam Hussein begins war with Iran • Reagan administration supports Saddam

  5. Gulf War I 1991 • 1990 Saddam invades Kuwait • US and coalition troops, with UN sanction, attack • Saddam fires scud missiles on Israel • Saddam forced to retreat

  6. George H. Bush’s decision • expel but not overthrow Saddam • under UN sanction: • establish no-fly zones • econ sanctions • weapons inspections under UN (1991-98, 2002-2003)

  7. A job half done? • 1998 Congress passes, Clinton signs, Iraq Liberation Act • 2000 Republican platform calls for “full implementation” • “neo-cons” calling for overthrow

  8. Build-up to War • 2002 Congress passes Authorization for use of military force (AUMF) • UN orders weapons inspectors out as American invasion appears immanent • theory of pre-emptive war vs preventative war • Bush orders Saddam and sons out • war begins on March 20 2003

  9. Role of UN • Security Council Resolution 1441 called for compliance with weapons inspection or “serious consequences” • US seeks UN authorization for invasion, France, China, Russia refuse • Bush claims to be enforcing 1441 • Kofi Annan says US in violation of UN

  10. Invasion force • 83% US • 15% UK • 2% “Coalition of the Willing”

  11. Shifting justifications • links to “terror” and Al-Qaeda • supposed meeting in Prague • WMD • Dubious tubes and uranium purchases • Liberating Iraq

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