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Overview of the Iraq War: Causes, Consequences, and Historical Context

This brief outlines the complex historical background and key events leading to the Iraq War, including Iraq's ethnic composition, oil reserves, and colonial history. The document highlights the emergence of Saddam Hussein, the role of the U.S. and international support during the Gulf War, and the build-up to the 2003 invasion following allegations of weapons of mass destruction. It discusses the implications of U.N. resolutions and shifts in justification for military action, ultimately exploring the impact on Iraq and the region.

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Overview of the Iraq War: Causes, Consequences, and Historical Context

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  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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