18 Iran-Iraq War Flashcards
(57 cards)
What did Khomeni call for once in power in Iran?
For other Arab countries to overthrow secular governments.
What did Khomeni call Iraq?
The puppet of Satan
He overstated their closeness to America
What percentage of Iran’s population is Shia?
around 90%
What percentage of Iraq’s population was Shia?
55-65%
Who led Iraq?
A Sunni Muslim
What happened in Iraq after the Iranian Revolution?
There was a Shia uprising in the area where Khomeni had been exiled.
How did the uprising end?
In 1980 with the execution of the Shia Muhammed Baqir al-Sadr and his sister
Meanwhile, where was Saddam Hussein?
He was #2 in the government and forced out his boss.
What was Hussein’s religion?
Sunni, but he ran it as a secular state.
Why did Khomeni bear a gruge against Sadsam Hussein?
Because, it was Hussein as VP who had ordered Khomeni expelled from Iraq.
THe Shah of Iran has pressed him to do this.
Before the 1979 Revolutions, which country had been the US closest ally?
Iran
What did Hussein do in Sept 1980 in response to Khomeni’s threats?
He invaded Iran.
What was his goal?
To sieze the Shatt al-Arab waterway
What was the waterway’s importance?
Both countries used it to ship their oil to the Persian Gulf.
This was shy it was called the Gulf War at the time.
What shape was Iran’s army in?
Not good. They had executed many army leaders after the Shah left.
What other problem did they have?
The US had given the Shah many weapons but Iran was now running out of spare parts.
What had Hussein hoped would happen?
That the Sunni minority in Iran would join the Iraq fighters.
Who was favored at the start of the war?
Iraq
Did Iraq get its swift victory?
No
What concept did Iran introduce?
Human sacrifice
How did they do this?
They used poorly-armed “troops” and they used people to clear mine fields
DId this work?
Yes
How?
Hussein had to retreat and he executed some of his army officers
What prolonged the war?
Khomeni would not geotiate a peace because he wanted Hussein overthrown.
