Causes
what years did the Iran-Iraq war last?
8 years from 1980-1988
What country used Chemical Weapons?
Iraq used mustard gas and other chemical agents, resulting in widespread casualties among Iranian soldiers and civilians
How did the war end?
a cease-fire in 1988
How many Key battles were there?
There were six
What Historical Tensions existed before the war started?
Conflict over Territory and political tensions
Name one type of tactic Iran and/or Iraq use
Iraq:
- Defensive Warfare with trenches and airstrikes
- Chemical weapons
- Missile attacks
Iran:
- Guerrilla Warfare
- Human wave tactics
- Naval strikes in the Tanker War
What was the impact of the war on Iran's and Iraq's Economy?
Iran: Widespread damage to infrastructure and economic stagnation.
Iraq: Massive debt and widespread poverty
Who were the leaders of Iran and Iraq during the War?
Iraq: Saddam Hussein
Iran: Ayatollah Khomeini
Why did Iraq’s Ba’ath Party view Iran’s Islamic government as a threat?
Clashed with Iran’s new regime leading to discriminatory acts of violence and intensified political tensions between both Iran and Iraq.
Define what Human Wave Attack tactics mean
Sending large numbers of troops into battle with little regard for casualties.
What is an example of a Proxy Group?
Hezbollah
Which city did Iraq capture early in the war?
the city of Khorramshahr
What was the Algiers Agreement?
1975 treaty between Iran and Iraq to settle border disputes.
What were the main components of Iran’s military forces during the war?
Iran’s military forces included regular military units, the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), and volunteer militias like the Basij, which played a significant role in the war effort.
What ideology did Iraq shift towards?
Arab Nationalism Opposing Iran's Shiite Theocracy.
Number off the Key Battles in order
1. Invasion of Iran
2. Operation Raadan
3. Battle of Khorramshahr
4. Operation Kheibar
5. The War of Attrition
6. Operation Mersad
Why did Saddam Hussein want control over both banks of the Shatt al-Arab river?
Regional Dominance and took advantage of Iran's instability following the Islamic revolution.
What was the significance of the use of chemical weapons by Iraq?
The use of chemical weapons, particularly mustard gas, was a significant factor in the war, causing widespread casualties, long-term health effects, and contributing to the international condemnation of Iraq’s actions.
How did the war influence Iran and Iraq socially?
Iraq's society became deeply divided highlighting deep-seated sectarian tensions. Iran became more isolated internationally, which helped strengthen revolutionary and nationalist feelings within the country. (More Open-Ended)
Which countries supported Iran and which supported Iraq during the war?
Iran: Syria, Libya, Shiite militias
Iraq: United States, Soviet Union, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan