4. A Review of the Region
Iraq: Past, Present, & Future 4
5. Iraqis are…*
Sunni Arab - more liberal, democratic
Minority - 20%
Ruled through Hussein’s Ba’ath party
Shi’a Arab (Shiites) – more conservative, likely to tolerate a
theocracy
Majority – 60%
Persecuted by Hussein
Iraq: Past, Present, & Future 5
7. The Iraqis are…*
Sunni Arab - more liberal, likely to be democratic
Minority - 20% of population
Ruled through Hussein’s Ba’ath party
Shi’a Arab – more conservative, likely to want a theocracy
Majority – 60%
Persecuted by Hussein
Kurds – an ethnic minority group
Not Arab – Turkish; most are Sunni
Northern Iraq; oil-rich
Persecuted by Hussein; chemical weapons
used against them (1986-88)
Desire autonomy, or self rule
Iraq: Past, Present, & Future 7
8. During his Anfal campaign, it is estimated that Saddam ordered the killing of
Over 180,000 Kurds. The reason? Retribution for opposing his rule and support of
Iran during the Iran-Iraq war.
Iraq: Past, Present, & Future 8
9. Saddam Hussein*
President 1979 - 2003
Leader of Ba’ath party
wanted a more
secular , or non-
religious, country
Used fear, torture
and murder to
maintain rule
Iraq: Past, Present, & Future 9
10. A Fighting Nation*
Since Hussein came to power in 1979, Iraq has been involved in
3 major conflicts
1. Iran-Iraq War: 1980 - 1988
Reasons
Borders - Iraq wanted control over waterways
Resources – Iraq wanted oil-rich region in Iran
Religion –Iraq feared spread of conservative/religious
Shi’a values (from Iran)
The Conflict
Iraq attacked Iran
US supported Iraq
Iraq: Past, Present, & Future 10
11. Taken during the Iran-Iraq War
in the 1980’s
Rumsfield
Iraq: Past, Present, & Future Hussein 11
12. A Fighting Nation*
Since Hussein came to power in 1979, Iraq has been involved in three major
international conflicts
1. Iran-Iraq War: 1980 - 1988
Reasons
Borders – Iraq wanted control over waterways and ports
Resources – Iraq wanted oil-rich region in Iran
Religion –Iraq feared spread of conservative/religious Shi’a values (from
Iran)
The Conflict
Iraq attacked Iran
US supported Iraq
Outcome
UN resolution calls for cease fire
Both countries in debt; oil infrastructure crippled
Iraq: Past, Present, & Future 12
14. A Fighting Nation*
2. Gulf War: 1991
Reasons
Money - Iraq owed Kuwait $14 billion from Iran-Iraq War
Borders - dispute with Kuwait over oil-rich land
Conflict
Iraq invaded Kuwait
Bush Sr.’s objective: remove Iraq from Kuwait
Iraq defeated in 6 weeks by US led coalition called “Operation
Desert Storm”
Outcome
Iraq out of Kuwait
Hussein left in power to rebuild
Iraq: Past, Present, & Future 14
15. A Fighting Nation*
3. Iraq War 2003 - ?
Reasons
Iraq violated UN resolution about weapons of mass destruction
(WMDs)
Invasion based on belief that Hussein had WMDs
Conflict
US invades - Short war (?) into a civil war, into rebuilding
Outcomes
Hussein removed from power, tried and executed
US is attempting to help rebuild country
Your thoughts?
Iraq: Past, Present, & Future 15
16. Free Write: Why do you think
Iraq has been involved in so many
conflicts in recent years?
Iraq: Past, Present, & Future 16