Middle East Conflicts: Iraq and Afghanistan Mr. Kline’s Experiences in Iraq

Cultural Issues Iraq and much of the Middle East were part of the Ottoman Empire since the late 1400s During that time, tribes and clans kept their own laws, and swore their allegiance to the Ottomans in Turkey. In 1917, the Ottomans suffered defeat from the British and French in WWI. By 1919, Iraq and other nations gained independence from Britain…

Ottoman Empire

Iraq

Nationalism in the Middle East Egypt 1940s-60s under Sayyid Qutb Syria 1940s Israel 1949: Created by the U.N.; still disputed today as to whether Middle Eastern Countries should recognize their sovereignty. Debates raged over whether countries should be void of religious influence in the Government, or Government is run by religion.

Cultural Unrest Because of the arbitrary boundaries the British and French drew in 1919, and the hard transition to non-dictatorial governments, cultures have clashed in certain parts of the Middle East. Example: Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Syria, and Lebanon.

The Rise of Saddam and the Ba’ath Party 1979: Saddam Hussein becomes President of the Republic of Iraq. Was very secular. 1980-88: Iraq-Iran war. Although Iraq pushed far into Iran’s interior, the war ends after eight years and no clear winner. 1988: Saddam orders attacks on Kurdish Iraqis, killing thousands of civilians. 1990: Iraq invades Kuwait, beginning the Persian Gulf War.

Afghanistan Since the 19th century, Western powers have tried to influence the small mountainous country. It has been difficult to modernize due to the terrain and lack of industry. During the cold war, Afghanistan was influenced heavily by the U.S, British and Soviet Governments. 1979-1989: Afghan civil war. 1 million Afghan lives were lost.

Persian Gulf War August 2, 1990: Iraq invaded Kuwait, claiming to assist Kuwaiti revolutionaries. Many countries in the region, and around the globe are outraged and call for Iraqi forces to leave Kuwait. Countries including the US and Great Britain feared that Oil Prices could sky rocket, causing a global market crash. January 17, 1991: After months of trying to reason with Saddam, UN forces began aerial bombing of Iraq.

Al Qaeda's Declaration of War: Fatwa Three reasons Al Qaeda declared Jihad (struggle) in 1998 on the West. The West is viewed as Crusaders The West has imposed their will on the nations of the Middle East without permission, and taken the natural resources. The West is the ally of Al Qaeda’s sworn enemy, Israel.

Aerial Bombing

Persian Gulf Continuted February 23, 1991: Coalition forces led by the United States began to push the Iraqi forces from Kuwait. Within 100 hours, the Coalition forces successfully expelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait. Iraq retaliated by setting oil refineries in Kuwait on fire, and firing Scud Missiles at Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Conclusion of the War. Iraq leading up to 2001. February 25, 1991: President George H. Bush declared a cease-fire and Kuwait liberated. Although Saddam attacked a sovereign nation, he retained his power. During the 1990’s, Saddam and Iraq’s military continued to collect weapons and armaments.