Iraq

Who was the president of Iraq from 1979 until 2006?

Saddam Hussein

What was the rationale behind U.S. support for Saddam Hussein in 1979?

The strategy was based on the idea that 'the enemy of my enemy is my friend', as Saddam was Sunni and Iran was Shiite.

What was the primary military force used by Saddam Hussein to maintain control over Iraq?

Saddam's Republican Guard, which was an elite presidential security force.

What ethnic groups were present in Iraq during Saddam Hussein's rule?

Shiite Arabs, Sunni Arabs, and Kurds.

What was the demographic majority in Iraq, and which group controlled the government?

Shiites were the majority, but Sunnis controlled the government.

What did the Kurds seek during Saddam Hussein's regime?

The Kurds sought self-rule.

What major conflict did Saddam Hussein initiate in 1980?

A bloody war against Iran.

What was the estimated impact of the Iran-Iraq War initiated by Saddam Hussein?

Millions died during the conflict.

What notorious action did Saddam Hussein take against the Kurds?

He used chemical weapons against them.

Who was known as 'Chemical Ali' and what was his infamous statement?

Ali Hasa al-Majid, who stated, 'I will kill them [the Kurds] all with chemical weapons!'.

When did Iraq invade Kuwait, and what was the reason behind the invasion?

Iraq invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990, seizing its rich oil fields and claiming it as Iraqi territory.

What was the name of the U.S.-led military operation to liberate Kuwait?

Operation Desert Storm.

Who were the key U.S. military leaders during Operation Desert Storm?

General Colin Powell and General Norman Schwarzkopf.

What was the outcome of the Persian Gulf War for Iraq?

Iraq's military was crushed and Kuwait was freed.