Iran - Iraq War: 1980 - 1988 Flashcards
1
Q
Causes
A
Iranian Revolution
-Islamic fundamentalist movement begins (Shah overthrown by Ayatollah Khomeini) and threatens Saddam Hussein who feels that the movement will spread to Iraq
-Khomeini calls for Iran to overthrow Hussein as part of religious movement
Iraq wants superiority in Persian Gulf
- dispute over Shatt al-Arab (waterway)
- conflicts over oil
- religious diff: Iran = Shi’a while Iraq = Sunni
2
Q
Practices
A
Attrition and chemical warfare
- Khomeini’s human wave: high death toll
- Hussein’s chemical usage against Iranians/Kurds
- bombing/attacking civilians
- “Holy War” (Islamic fundamentalists)
- guerrilla warfare
3
Q
Iraq invaded Iran…
A
Sep. 22 1980
4
Q
International support
A
- Iraq supported by both sides
- US also supported Iran (not Khomeini bc prefer Shah) but sell weapons to Iran by smuggling through Nicaragua (IRAN CONTRA AFFAIR)
5
Q
Results
A
Nobody wins
Extensive bloodshed/damage to environment
Khomeini soon dies, relations bw US/Iran still peaceful
Bad oil production
HUSSEIN:
- remains in power
- continues to suppress Kurds
- invades Kuwait w/ US weapons
- begins nuclear program
6
Q
END
A
‘88: clear that Iran losing
UN declared ceasefire, uses Peacekeeper