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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, in middle--30% Shi’ite Arab, in South--50%. Colonial History. After defeat of Ottoman Empire, British Mandate 1918-1930
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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%
Colonial History • After defeat of Ottoman Empire, British Mandate 1918-1930 • 1920, and on--”The Great Iraqi Revolution”
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
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
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)
Invasion force • 83% US • 15% UK • 2% “Coalition of the Willing”
Shifting justifications • links to “terror” and Al-Qaeda • supposed meeting in Prague • WMD • Dubious tubes and uranium purchases • Liberating Iraq