Thura’s Diary pgs Background Notes

B52 –Bombing Aircraft Carrier

Shrapnel  A hollow projectile containing bullets or the likes of a bursting charge, designed to explode before reaching the target, and to set free a shower of missiles.

Bullet vs. Shrapnel Wound

Fedaeen (Fedayeen) – “Saddam’s Men of Sacrifice” Was an unofficial voluntary based Iraqi military coalition ran by Saddam Hussein’s son Uday. This group was created in 1995 but was not recognizably known until the 2003 war in Iraq. The strength of this coalition surprised many including Army Lieut. General William Wallace. It was abolished after the 2003 war. Who: 16 year olds Weapons in use: machine guns, rocket powered grenades, truck mounted artillery How many: 30,000-40,000 Disguised themselves Ashbal Saddam or Saddam’s Cubs

Persian Gulf War  Due to a conflict with Kuwait’s oil distribution, boarder claims, and relations Hussein wanted Kuwait to reduce oil production, write off Iraqi’s debt (from the previous Iraq-Iran war), and help pay for Iraq’s reconstruction. In effect, The United Nations imposed limits on how much the country should export – trying to force Hussein to withdraw and disarm from Kuwait.  The failed attempt for him to leave led United States along with other European nations led to a massive military attack known as Operation Desert Storm.  Lasting only a few months, this destroyed the majority of Iraq’s military structure, Iraq’s irrigation system, water supply, and sewage system (Iraq’s Infrastructure).  Lack of clean water led to disease.