Iraq War 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,

Presentation on theme: "Iraq War 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,"— Presentation transcript:

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2 Iraq War

3 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%

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

6 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

7 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

8 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)

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

10 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

11 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

12 Invasion force 83% US 15% UK 2% “Coalition of the Willing”

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