1. U.S. History

2. Over the last 10 years, the United States was involved in two wars. War in Afghanistan (2001-present)…in response to the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Iraq War (2003-present)…in response to a perceived threat by Iraqi President Saddam Hussein. Both wars were started by President G.W. Bush. President Obama continues both wars the War in Afghanistan, but has ended the War in Iraq.

5. For a long time both the U.S. and Great Britain have been involved in the oil politics of the Middle East. In the early 1980’s, the U.S. supported Iraq in its war against Iran, because at the time Iran was the “bad guy,” even though Hussein was just as bad as he was in 2003. During this time period, the U.S. provided Iraq w/ weapons, allegedly WMD’s. Over time, the relationship shifted and Hussein became the “bad guy.” The U.S. invaded Iraq in the late summer of 1990 (Gulf War) after Iraq invaded oil-rich Kuwait.

6. Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld meeting w/ Saddam Hussein in the early 1980’s

7. Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction (WMD’s) and he was a threat to freedom in the region. Chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons. Bush and VP Cheney implied that there was a connection between Saddam Hussein and the 9/11 attacks. Hussein was also portrayed as anti-human rights, anti- democracy, and a killer of his own people. America had to go in to defend freedom and democracy.

8. WMD’s were no where to be found! After investigation it was concluded that Iraq had ended its nuclear, chemical, and biological programs in 1991 and had no active programs at the time of the invasion Bush and Cheney denied a link between Saddam and 9/11. Why then did we invade this country in the first place?

9. Uneducated and fearful American population did not question Bush’s motives. Bush and his “buddies” believed in a master plan for American control and dominance in the world. Media “sold” the war to the American people. Politicians afraid to question Bush for fear of being called unpatriotic. Influence of the military-industrial complex.

10.  A term used to describe the relationship between the government, military, and private companies.  Usually involving military supplies.