9/11 – Invasion of Iraq 2003 – present Political tensions after 9/11 led to war with Iraq (and other countries in the Middle East) 2003 – present Costs more than $700+ billion, 4,000+ American lives, and 100,000+ Iraqi lives. Iraq was considered dangerous before 9/11 Political climate after 9/11 merely influenced the decision to go to war. Media and politicians in favor and opposition of the war carefully constructed their arguments.

Media Messages After 9/11, distrust of Arab nations led many people to believe that the invasion of Iraq was part of a “war on terrorism”. Had to convince the American people that Saddam was a terrorist and a danger to the U.S. in developing WMDs. No evidence that Iraq had WMDs or any connection to Islamic terrorists was found… Opponents of the war said that the U.S. really wanted to control Iraq’s oil supply to benefit American and European oil companies – downplaying the brutality and potential dangers of Saddam’s dictatorship in the Middle East. During the buildup of war, those in favor of and against war used the facts selectively to create their arguments.

George W. Bush elected in 2001 Plans were already being made to force Iraq to comply with the weapons inspectors. Remove Saddam (by force if necessary) 9/11 terrorist attacks led to an escalation of tensions between the U.S. and Arab nations. U.S. focus shifted to fighting Islamic terrorists (Saddam and his political group were NOT extremists, like al-Qaeda and Osama bin Laden) Saddam was an infidel and enemy of bin Laden.

Continued U.S. responded to 9/11 by attacking Afghanistan, whose government supported al-Qaeda Al-Qaeda training camps developed in Afghanistan. Although far removed from Afghanistan, U.S. government advisors thought the time was also right to remove Saddam from power. Debates developed within the government, in the media, and among the people.

History with Iraq prior to 9/11 1979 – Saddam Hussein became president of Iraq. Suppressed political groups who opposed him (brutal/cruel dictator) Nationalized the country’s important oil industry – government control rather than private. 1980s – U.S. gave military and financial support to Saddam while Iraq was at war with Iran. Saddam executed his political opponents and began a campaign of genocide (destruction of an entire ethnic group) against the Kurdish population in northern Iraq.

History continued… 1990 – Iraq invaded Kuwait (claiming it was historically part of Iraq) Gulf War of 1991 – U.S. and a coalition of many countries (many Middle Eastern/Arabic) drove Iraq out of Kuwait. Saddam remained in control but had to agree to end Iraq’s weapon programs – including poison gas and biological weapons.

History continued. 1990s – Iraq stopped cooperating with the United Nations (UN) weapons inspectors. Iraq was suspected of starting new weapons programs and developing gas and biological weapons along with nuclear weapons. American forces increased military operations, including “no fly zones” over Iraq, preventing Iraq’s military from operating. 2000 – Saddam refused to allow UN weapons inspectors to work in the country Led to more suspicion of Iraq’s development of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs)

Review Questions Why did the U.S. think Iraq was dangerous even before 9/11? How do you think the events of 9/11 might have complicated the question of what to do about Iraq?

9/11 – Invasion Timeline After 9/11 the country was ready to accept war and supported attacks on al- Qaeda (Afghanistan) 2001: American government made a case for war against Iraq – characterize Hussein as a terrorist (anyone who develops WMD) 2002: Iraq, Iran, and North Korea = “axis of evil”

Timeline continued… Arab nations did not support military actions against Iraq (unlike the first Gulf War when they joined the international coalition). Arab League (organization of Middle Eastern and North African nations) Beirut Declaration: 1) calling for Iraq to comply with UN weapons inspections 2) demanding that the international community lift economic sanctions against Iraq 3) warned that an attack on all Arab countries would escalate Arab and U.S. tensions.

Timeline continued… Iraq rejected new UN weapons inspection efforts Bush said military action would be unavoidable if Iraq did not comply. “Bush Doctrine”: U.S. had the right to launch a pre-emptive attack on a foreign country in order to prevent that country from attacking the United States first Prior to this, war was considered a last resort after being attacked (new foreign policy)

Timeline continued… Joint resolution of Congress authorized Bush to use military force in Iraq if necessary to defend national security and to enforce UN resolutions. UN resolution 1441: gave Iraq one final opportunity to comply with disarmament – inspections resumed. Hans Blix (head of the UN inspection commission) found NO evidence of WMDs in Iraq – they were cooperating with the UN, but more time was needed to verify if any weapons did not exist. Bush rejected the call for more time and threatened force without immediate disarmament. Colin Powell (Secretary of State) presented evidence linking Iraq to terrorism and the development of nuclear weapons.

Timeline continued… UN withdrew inspectors and staff and the U.S. published a list of 30 countries (“coalition of the willing”) who agreed to provide troops, logistical support or help with postwar reconstruction. U.S., United Kingdom, and Australia provided major military support. March 19, 2003 – military campaign began.