Operation Iraqi FreedomMarch 2003

TargetWe will be able to give specific details about Operation Iraqi Freedom to better understand the US’ involvement in the Middle East.

Let’s take 5 to check our knowledge … • When had the US gone to war with Iraq

previously?

• WHY had the US gone to war with Iraq the first time?

• WHY was the US fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan?

January 1991 – Desert Storm

Iraq invaded Kuwait and oil was at stake!

They were hiding Osama bin Laden – after 9/11 attacks

So … why did the US invade Iraq a 2nd time in 2003?

• WMDs• Connections with Al-Qaeda• Free the Iraqi citizens from the oppressive

dictator, Saddam Hussein.

WMDs• After the Persian Gulf War ended in 1991 Iraq was told

that it could not produce WMDs.• However, the US believed Iraq was in fact producing

WMDs. • Remember … they had the knowledge … they had

produced them before … AND they had USED them twice before! On Iran and later on the Kurds!

• Hussein refused to allow the UN to check facilities to ensure he was not making WMDs.

• Therefore, the US believed Hussein was producing these weapons – violating the 1991 agreement.

Connections with Al-Qaeda• It was believed that Hussein had connections

with Al-Qaeda and trading weapons with them!• It was believed that Iraq was financially

supporting Al-Qaeda.• It was believed that Al-Qaeda training camps

were located in Iraq.

Free Iraqi citizens from an oppressive government• 1983 – arrested & executed 8000 Kurdish males – ages 13 and up!• Arrested 300 Kurdish children!• 1987 – 1988 – 100,000 Kurds killed!• 1990 – law passed that a male can kill a female relative in the name of honor

without punishment!• People executed without a trial!• Torture very common!• Hussein would kill anyone who opposed him or he felt was a threat to his

leadership!

The War• March 19, 2003 - US declares war on

Iraq.• April 9th – Baghdad falls and Hussein flees

Results • Dec 14, 2003 - Hussein captured.– Put on trial for war crimes and crimes against

humanity - killing thousands of his own people and using chemical weapons on the Kurds and Iranians.

– Iraqi court found him guilty – sentenced him to death – 1 week later he was hung.

Results • However … no WMDs were found• US continued fighting insurgents while

helping Iraq to rebuild and establish a democratic government.

• US officially ended combat in Iraq in 2010.

Iraqi Today• Government – parliamentary

government –However … very unstable!

• Economy –Largely state-run–Based in oil –However … very unstable!

TODSUMMARIZE … – List 3 reasons why the US invaded Iraq in

2003– List 2 examples of Saddam Hussein’s crime

against humanity.– List 1 way the government of Iraq changed

after Hussein.

Previous invasions in Middle East Iraq – When? _________________ Why? __________________

Afghanistan – When_______________ Why? _____________

Why did the US invade Iraq a 2nd time? 1. _____________________2. Connections with

_______________________3. ______________ Iraqi citizens from the

oppressive dictator, Saddam ____________

The War March 19, 2003 - ______________ declares war on IraqApril 9, 2003 - _____________ falls and Hussein flees

Results • _______________ - Hussein captured• Put on trial for war crimes and crimes against humanity • Found guilty and sentenced to death • No ____________ found • _____________ - US officially ended combat

Iraq Today • Government -

____________________________________• Economy –

• Largely state run • Based in ____________

Operation Iraqi Freedom