Military Intervention And The War On Terror - Iraq Flashcards
What was Hussein’s position after the first gulf war
-after first gulf war 1990-91 Saddam Hussein ‘contained’ by econ sanctions + ‘no-fly zones’ enforced by NATO air patrols
-but by 2002 increasing fears of threat Hussain may represent to west
What was the first fear of Hussein’s threat to the west
-Iraq may link with Al Queda leaders+ provide new terrorism base
What was the second fear of Hussein’s threat to the west
-Iraq develop weapons of mass destruction
-nuclear, chemical or biological weapons Hussein was known for using previously but had expelled UN weapons inspection teams 1997
Who was Hussein
-seized power in Iraq 1968 + from 1979 ruled as a dictator
-flight long war against Iran 1980s + invaded Kuwait 1990s provoking first gulf war
-but was overthrown April 2003 during second gulf war + executed by new Iraq 2006
What was happening by November 2002 regarding these fears
-UN resolution Nov 2002 forced Saddam allow weapons inspectors back in Iraq
-but early 2003 US believed Hussein not cooperating
What disputes emerged following this
-dispute in UN whether first resolution given international community permission use military force in circumstances
-to reach agreement Blair strenuous efforts win over European allies to list for second UN resolution but unsuccessful
When did the Iraq invasion begin following their distrust of Hussein
-US led invasion began March 2003 backed by ‘coalition of the willing’ incl. Br, Poland + Italy
Why did Blair support bush
-Blair’s critics argue he agreed with Bush’s aims of regime change + was using UN resolutions to bring Europe round
-Blair’s defenders argue genuinely convinced about dangers WMD + was correct in his analysis of the need ensure US remained in international world order + not retreat to isolationism
What was the outcome
-military victory + overthrow Hussein complete April 2003 by tank decisive end to war
-br troops bogged down in long struggle + few expectations from when war launched were proved right despite by 2006 improvements in security + situation - Iraq more stable
Why was the invasion of Iraq controversial
-4 ministers resigned incl foreign sec Cook 2003
-‘stop the war’ march london Feb 2003 with 1+ million people
-failure find evidence WMD heightened criticisms Blair used this to justify invasion
-as war progressed US + UK soldiers accused of HR abuses in Iraqi prisoners of war
-by May 2003 Br gov accused of exaggerating threat for personal gain - perhaps to strengthen US-UK relations with new pres Bush
What was the outcome by the end of 2007
-by end 2007 Br achieved limited + partial success in Iraq but short of ambitions set in 2003
How did the war damage Blair + br
-Blair forced resign 2007 + when left downing stress it was too early to make definitive judgement in success of failure
-but apparent damage to Blair + br reputation
-but democratic gov in Iraq which upped to remain stable in long term
