The Persian Gulf War and the War on Terror The United States in the Middle East

Today’s Objective Analyze the Persian Gulf War and how it affected United States involvement in the middle east. Analyze the events September 11, 2001 and our subsequent involvement in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Vietnam War Reasons – Contain Communism – Avoid Humiliation – Broaden American Control Themes – Tension: National Security v. American Liberty Pentagon Papers

Persian Gulf War Saddam Hussein Leader of Iraq Dictator Launched Invasion of Kuwait George H.W. Bush President of the United States Responded to Iraqi invasion of Kuwait with Operation Desert Storm.

Persian Gulf War  Iraq invades Kuwait  Saddam Hussein wanted to take control of oil in Kuwait.  His invasion was condemned by the international community.  The United States Responds  Operation Desert Storm  The U.S. dominates the Iraqi military and forces them to retreat back into Iraq.

Saddam’s Retreat  The power of the coalition forces (mostly U.S., Britain, and Egypt) was so overwhelming that the Iraq military literally had to turn and run.  All along the way Saddam Hussein ordered his army to burn oil wells across the Desert in Kuwait.

September 11, the events of 9/11 sparked the “War on Terror”

September 20, President George W. Bush declares “War on Terror”

Invasion of Afghanistan Afghanistan is ruled by the Taliban – The Taliban is an Islamist militant and political group that ruled large parts of Afghanistan including its capital, Kabul. – The U.S. military knocks the Taliban out of power in October, – The U.S. remains to rebuild the country that has struggled under Taliban control and been severely damaged throughout the conflict.

Afghanistan  We are still in Afghanistan.  Is this another Vietnam?  What does victory look like?  What are our goals?  Soldiers are still dying.

U.S. Invasion of Iraq President Bush said that Iraq had Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) No WMDs found by United Nations Inspectors What was the real intent for entering Iraq? – Secure oil control? – Finish the job on Saddam Hussein?

Domestic Impact of “War on Terror” Patriot Act – Massive increase of government control over the civil liberties of individual American citizens. – Main purpose was to root out terrorist activity on U.S. soil. – Demonstrates ongoing tension between individual liberty and national security. Often the government will sacrifice individual liberties in the name of National Security. (remember Japanese Internment)