Iran-Iraq War 1980-1988
The war began when Iraq invaded Iran
What caused it?
1. border disputes
2.fears of Shia Muslim insurgency among Iraq's long- supressed Shia majority influneced by the Iranian Revolution- Saddam Hussein was Sunni Muslim
3.Iraq wanted to replace Iran as the dominant Persian Gulf state-wanted Iran's oil fields
Iraq did not fair too well
Iran was able to regain most lost territory by 1982
For the next six years, Iran was on the offensive and actually entered Iraq
War finally ended with United Nations
UN Reaction
UN condemned the invasion and demanded an immediate withdrawal of Iraqi troops
UN authorized a naval blockade to enforce the econmic sanctions against Iraq
UN gave Iraq until Jan. 15 1991 to withdraw from Kuwait
Aftermath
By March, 1991 540,000 American troops began to move out of the Persian Gulf area
Saddam Hussein was allowed to remain in power
Coalition killed: 392
Iraq killed: 20,000-35,000
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