Iran Test: Writing

Just about what causes and effects classify under which type.

Sunni-Shia Divide

Ideological, Long-Term

It deals with religious beliefs and it started well before Saddam was even born. It grew the tension between these states due to their opposing sides (Iran: Shia, Iraq: Sunni)

Shatt al-Arab Waterway

Territorial and Economic, Short-Term

It is Iraq’s only access to the Persian Gulf. Most of their exports go through water, so therefore it deals with money.

Khuzestan

Territorial and Ideological (Slightly Economic), Short-Term

It was an oil rich area in Iran that bordered Iraq. There were many Arabs living there that had an affinity with their Iraqi neighbors, so Saddam claimed rights to the area.

Push for Kurdish Independence

Ideological and Political (Slightly Territorial), Long-Term

The Kurdish wanted their own land, so this led them to have issues with the Iraqi government. Iran funded them (short-term).

Algiers Agreement

Territorial and Political (Slightly Ideological), Short-Term

It dealt with dropping claims to the Shatt al-Arab Waterway and Khuzestan. It also made Iran stop supporting the Kurds in Iraq.

Exporting the Islamic Revolution

Ideological and Political, Long-Term

The Revolution was long planned, but when it ended, Khomeini wanted more. He intended to spread the beliefs of fundamentalist Islam around the world, starting with the middle east (which the political order of he did not agree with). This created issues between Sunni Iraq and Shia Iran.

Assassinations of Ba’thist Party Members

Political and Ideological, Short-Term

Iran encouraged the Shia majority in Iran to rise up against the Sunni majority government. They then attacked Iraqi officials. This gave farther concern to Saddam Hussein, who heard of a plot to overthrow him by the Iranian government.

Western Involvement

Political, Long-Term

The United States was involved a long time in the affairs of the middle east, but they especially did not want Iran winning and losing favor in that region. Then the “War of the Tankers” occurred, where the U.S. intervened to protect their oil supply.