The Iraq War (2003-2011)

Question 1

Type of war/background

Answer 1

-opportunism, between countries, defence
-Saddam Hussein - Iraq president 1979-2003
>Gulf War 1990-1991 - wanted oil from Kuwait, so invaded
>America sent tanks etc to help Kuwait - created hatred towards America.

Question 2

Example of war

Answer 2

-Fear there was WMD build up in Iraq, so UN intervened (however, it was an accusation with no basis); Hussein either had to allow inspectors in or face consequences - George W. Bush did not trust his decision to allow inspectors.
-Bush claimed Resolution 1441 gave him right to invade Iraq/remove Hussein from power.
-Blair agreed to join him as part of the ‘special relationship’ and used Appeasement as his argument and convinced 412 to vote in favour of joining.
-Iraqi forces quickly collapsed, heavy military/civilian casualties in Iraq; Hussein removed from power/later executed; Insurgents (Iraqis fighting allied troops) used guerrilla tactics.
-no WMDs EVER found, so it looked like there was an ulterior motive
-British/American forces stayed, but were not wanted

Question 3

Attitudes and responses

Answer 3

-Islamic extremists were able to become more powerful
-British public believed Blair had deliberately misled them
-There is data about how British public opinion changed throughout the war - majority of surveyed supported the war at first, but that opinion dwindled as war went on

Question 4

Impact on people

Answer 4

-indirect, cultural
-between 2003-2007: 4000 allied casualties; 18,000 Insurgent casualties; 100,000s civilians killed; millions of refugees.
-loss of confidence/belief in government - public becomes more suspicious about decisions made by gov. e.g. Cameron wanting to get involved in Syria

Question 5

Impact on government

Answer 5

-government gets weaker, as there is loss in confidence and trust
-anti-war, anti-gov protests