Understanding the Iraq War

Sunni vs Shi’a

• When the profit Muhammad died he didn’t leave a successor.

• Sunni= the most qualified should lead

• Shi’a = only a member of Muhammad's family can lead.

Sunni vs Shi’a

• Most people in the Middle East are Sunni

• The Shi’a live in Lebanon, Iran & Iraq.

Iran

• In 1979 Ayatollah Khomeini took over Iran

• Islam becomes the law of the land.

• Iran = Theocracy

Iran – Iraq War

• Iraq = Arab• Iran = Persian

• 1980 – Saddam Hussein invades Iran.

• 1 million people die during the 8 yr. war.

Persian Gulf War

• 1990 Saddam invades Kuwait.• UN assembles a army led by the USA. • Ground war last 100 hours

• Saddam is left • in power.

WMD

• WMD = Weapons of Mass destruction.

• Saddam had gassed his own people , the Kurds, who were fighting for their own nation in Northern Iraq.

WMD

• After the 1st Gulf War Iraq was under economic sanctions. (not allowed to sell oil)

• We wanted him to destroy the WMD’s

Iraq War

• Begins 3/20/03 – UN doesn’t support it.

• Looking for WMD – none found

• Saddam captured in 2003 – tried and executed in 2006