***025 - Reagan and the Iran-Iraq War

Overview

  • U.S. National Security Lecture by Dr. Jason Brownlee at The University of Texas at Austin

Risk Limitation Strategies

  • Outsourcing Risky Combat

    • Combat risks are mitigated by using surrogate soldiers, as shown with the Afghan mujahideen from 1979-1988.

  • Supporting States

    • The U.S. supported Saddam Hussein during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) to undermine adversaries.

  • Prompt Withdrawal

    • Example: The Multi-National Force in Lebanon withdrew after high-casualty attacks in 1983.

Key U.S. Policies and Operations

  • Operation Cyclone

    • Covert CIA operation aiding the mujahideen in Afghanistan against Soviet forces.

  • Multinational Force in Lebanon (MNF)

    • Peacekeeping mission during the Lebanese Civil War.

  • Support during the Iran-Iraq War

    • U.S. provided various support mechanisms, including military equipment and intelligence.

  • Operation Praying Mantis

    • A significant military naval operation against Iran in 1988.

  • Downing of Iran Air Flight 655

    • Incident involving the U.S. Navy, raising international tensions.

Important Figures

  • Afghanistan

    • Mohammed Zahir Shah, Daoud Khan, Hafizullah Amin, Mohammad Najibullah.

  • Soviet Union

    • Mikhail Gorbachev.

  • Iraq

    • Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr, Saddam Hussein.

Country-Specific Information

  • Afghanistan

    • Geography and topography are crucial to understanding conflict dynamics.

  • Iraq

    • Demography includes Shia Arabs, Sunni Arabs, and Kurds, impacting political alliances.

  • Lebanon

    • Demographic composition includes Christians, Sunnis, and Shias.

Political Groups

  • People’s Democratic Party of Afghanistan (PDPA)

    • Major political force during the Soviet-Afghan conflict.

  • Mujahideen

    • Armed groups opposing Soviet rule in Afghanistan.

  • Baath Party

    • Ruling party led by Saddam Hussein in Iraq.

  • Palestinian Liberation Organization

    • Key political entity in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

  • Islamic Jihad Organization

    • Influential militant group in Lebanon.

Concepts and Events

  • The Great Game

    • Reflection of geopolitical rivalry over territories in Central Asia.

  • Saur Revolution

    • 1978 coup in Afghanistan that led to a communist regime.

  • Stinger Missiles

    • Significant U.S. weapon supplied to the mujahideen.

  • Iran-Iraq War

    • Prolonged conflict between Iran and Iraq (1980-1988).

  • Lebanese Civil War

    • Complex civil conflict influencing regional stability.

  • October 23, 1983

    • Suicide bombing of U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut.

  • Tanker War

    • Attacks on oil tankers connected to the Iran-Iraq War.

Operation Cyclone Details

  • Duration: July 3, 1979 - February 15, 1989

    • Covert operation run by the CIA to arm mujahideen fighters opposed to Soviet occupation in Afghanistan.

Mapping and Geography

  • Afghanistan

    • Relief and geographical features outlined, illustrating strategic importance.

Important Afghan Leaders

  • Historical Figures:

    • King Mohammed Nadir Shah, King Mohammed Zahir Shah, President Mohammed Daoud Khan.

Key Afghan Political Figures (1978-1992)

  • PDPA Leadership:

    • Nur Muhammad Taraki, Hafizullah Amin, Babrak Karmal, Mohammed Najibullah.

Prominent Afghan Mujahideen Leaders

  • Key Figures:

    • Burhanuddin Rabbani, Ahmad Shah Massoud, Abdul Rasul Sayyaf, Gulbuddin Hekmatyar.

Stinger Missile Overview

  • Significance:

    • Effective anti-air missile employed by mujahideen against Soviet helicopters.

Mikhail Gorbachev's Leadership

  • Timeline:

    • General Secretary of the Soviet Union from March 11, 1985, to August 24, 1991.

    • Known for reforms and significant meetings with President Reagan.

Historical Context of Iraq

  • Formation:

    • Modern Iraq was formed from three provinces of the Ottoman Empire.

  • Leadership:

    • Notable leaders Ahmed Hassan al-Bakr and Saddam Hussein's reign details.

U.S. Multinational Force in Beirut

  • Timeline:

    • August 1982 - February 1984, aimed to stabilize Lebanon.

Persian Gulf Conflict Data

  • Attacks Analysis:

    • Chart detailing attacks on ships in the Persian Gulf by belligerents from 1981 to 1987, with a focus on Iraq's aggressions.

U.S. Influence in Nicaragua

  • Iran/Contra Affair:

    • Involves the illegal funding of Contra rebels against Nicaragua's socialist government, highlighting U.S. foreign policy controversies.