Understanding the Iraq Conflict and the War on Terror

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and vocabulary from the lecture on the Iraq conflict and the broader implications of the War on Terror.

Improbable Country

A term used to describe Iraq due to its diverse ethnic groups and the historical context of its formation by British interests.

Ethnic Groups in Iraq

Three major ethnic groups: Arabs, Kurds, and Turkmen.

British Petroleum (BP)

The British oil company that had significant influence in Iraq due to its desire for oil rights.

Ba'athists

Nationalistic group in Iraq that took control and promoted the idea of an Iraq for Iraqis.

Saddam Hussein

The Iraqi leader who became vice president in the late 1960s and later assumed complete power.

OPEC

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, founded in 1960, which Iraq joined to regulate oil production.

Nationalization of Oil

The process by which Saddam Hussein took control of Iraq's oil resources for the benefit of the Iraqi people.

Cruise Missiles

Guided missiles used during military operations, notably by the United States in response to attacks.

Kuwait Invasion

Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait in 1990, leading to the Gulf War and international sanctions against Iraq.

World Trade Center Bombing (1993)

A terrorist attack that killed six people, marking a significant event in the history of terrorism in the United States.

Al Qaeda

Islamist militant organization founded by Osama bin Laden, responsible for several attacks on U.S. interests.

Global Sympathy Post-9/11

The international support for the United States following the September 11 attacks.

Axis of Evil

A term used by President George W. Bush to describe Iraq, Iran, and North Korea, promoting the idea of a threat from these nations.

Mobile Weapons of Mass Destruction

Allegations about Saddam Hussein's possession of mobile units for chemical weapons, which were discredited.

Status of Forces Agreement

An agreement signed by President Bush that outlined the timeline for the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraq.

Operation Enduring Freedom

The U.S. military operation launched to dismantle the Taliban and capture Osama bin Laden following 9/11.

Seal Team Six

U.S. Navy SEAL unit that carried out the operation to kill Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.