Conflict in Iraq Q&A

Part I Questions:

Short Response

1. Where do most Kurds, Shi'a, and Sunnis live in Iraq?

Kurds: Mountainous regions Shi'a: southern region Sunnis: central area

2. Which ethnic group(s) hold(s) power over the majority of oil reserves in Iraq?
Shi'a and Kurds

3. What is the main reason Britain become involved in Iraq?
To gain control of the oil fields

4. What did pan-Arabists advocate after World War II?
Iraqi unity and a unique Iraqi national

5. How was Saddam Hussein able to gain power and popularity in the 1970

He used the money from rising oil prices to fund free education, develop a good public health care system, and reform the agricultural system.

6. Why did the United States become involved in the Iran-Iraq War?
To prevent Iran from winning after it began to step up its attacks.

7. Why did President George H.W. Bush (1989-93) bring the ground portion of the First Persian Gulf War to a halt? List two reasons.

a. To eliminate Sadam Hussein's control of the Kuwaiti oil fields

b.

Extended Response:

8. What are the different ethnic and religious groups in Iraq? Why is it important to understand these differences?
The ethnic groups in Iraq are Kurds and Arabs, and the religious groups are Shi'i and Sunni Muslims.
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Part II Questions:

Short Response

9. What dangers did President George W. Bush (2001-09) say Iraq posed to the region and the world? Name two.

a. Dangerous weapons

b. Terrorism

10. What were the U.S. government's declared goals in sending troops to Iraq?

a. End Saddam Hussein's regime

b. Find weapons of mass destruction

11. List two reasons violence continues in Iraq.

a. Many Iraqis are angry that the U.S. remain in the country

b. Iraqis do not trust the new government

Extended Response:

12. Describe the different groups involved in the ongoing conflict in Iraq. What are their goals? (Reasons for fighting)

Shi'a:

There are 70-80,000 Shi'a involved. This group contains the Mahdi army and the Bard Brigade. Their goal is to resist the dominance of the U.S. and Sunnis, and they also want to increase their power in Iraq.

Sunni:

Consists of the Islamic army in Iraq, the Islamic Front for Iraqi Resistance, and the 1920 Revolution Brigades. Their numbers are over 20,000. Their goal goal is to prevent U.S. and Shi'i dominance. Some joined U.S. in fighting Al-Qaeda

Kurd:

There are 100,000 Kurds, which is made up of the Kurdistan Democratic party, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, and the Kurdistan Workers Party. Their goal is Kurdish self-determination.

al Qaeda:

Al Qaeda is 10,000 sunni including 800-3,000 non-Iraqis. Their goal is to incite a civil war in Iraq and to drive the U.S. out of the country.