***030 - America and Iraq, 1989-2000
U.S. National Security Overview
Lecture Introduction
Course: Lecture 030 Introduction to National Security
Instructor: Dr. Jason Brownlee
Institution: The University of Texas at Austin, Department of Government
U.S. Policies and Actions
Key Operations
Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force (RDJTF): Established to quickly respond to international crises.
Central Command (CENTCOM): U.S. military command responsible for operations in the Middle East.
Operation Desert Shield: Defensive operation to deter Iraqi aggression post-invasion of Kuwait.
Operation Desert Storm: Offensive military operation to liberate Kuwait.
Iraqi Uprising (March 1991): Revolt against Saddam Hussein’s regime after Desert Storm.
No-fly Zones: Implemented to protect Kurdish and Shiite populations from Iraqi air attacks.
Operation Desert Fox: Military operation targeting Iraqi weapons capabilities in 1998.
UNSC Sanctions on Iraq: Imposed to pressure Iraq post-Gulf War.
Dual Containment: Policy aimed at containing both Iraq and Iran.
Iraq Liberation Act (October 1998): U.S. legislative act supporting efforts to remove Saddam's government from power.
Notable Figures
George Herbert Walker Bush: 41st U.S. President.
Saddam Hussein: President of Iraq (1979-2003).
Tariq Aziz: Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister, known for his staunch rhetoric.
Brent Scowcroft: National Security Advisor to George H.W. Bush.
Colin Powell: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and later Secretary of State.
Margaret Thatcher: Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during Gulf War.
Dick Cheney: U.S. Secretary of Defense during Desert Storm.
General Norman Schwarzkopf: Commander of U.S. Central Command during Gulf War.
Caspar Weinberger: Secretary of Defense under Reagan, influential in military policy.
Bill Clinton: 42nd U.S. President, involved in post-Gulf War policies.
Key Concepts and Events
Economic and Military Context
Economic pressures in Iraq post-1990; $80 billion debt, dependency on oil revenues.
Military build-up with inefficient spending.
Historical Grievances
Saddam's demands for economic assistance and oil production agreements with Kuwait.
Strategic significance of the Rumaila oil field.
Congressional Authorization
Key events leading to Congress authorizing the use of military force in the Gulf, with specific voting patterns highlighted.
Turning Against Saddam (1989-1990)
Strategic Decisions
U.S. administration's deliberation on Iraq's influence in the region post-Cold War.
Concerns over military deployment versus public support.
Desert Shield and Desert Storm (1990-1991)
Command Structure
Key military leaders involved (e.g., Schwarzkopf, Cheney).
American Military Doctrine
Powell-Weinberger Doctrine
No military commitment unless U.S. interests are threatened.
Defined political and military objectives crucial before troop deployment.
Assurance of public opinion and Congressional support before engagement.
Containing Saddam (1991-2000)
Post-Gulf War Policy
No-fly zones established to limit Iraqi military movement and protect vulnerable populations.
U.S. policy supporting the removal of Saddam Hussein framed as essential to future stability.
Key Quotes and Principles
Several strategic and political quotes from key figures illustrating the rationale behind U.S. policies towards Iraq and the considerations of military action.
Lecture 1 notes
Saddam hussan from iraq was opressive ruler but good ally
1989: trying to coax him into being an ally
1990: said he would incenerate isreal if they tried to go against him
U.S rlly wanted to make it work with them (Bush)
sudan wanted to stay in power (main concern)
survived 4 coaxs
iraq
was in debt by millions, inefficient military
saddam appealed to saudi arabia and kuwait to help him
3 accomadations
wanted them to forgive 30 bill in debt, and send 30 bill in grants
boost iraqs oil income thru OPEC membership, allowing for increased production quotas and better pricing structures.
acess through kuwait islands to have docks for large oil tankers
rejected most of these
saddam got mad and publically blamed countires for not agreeing saying its their fault for lack of progress
decided to use force to assert control over the region and secure access to the oil resources he deemed vital for Iraq's economy.
no one thought it was real- thought it was a bluff
actually ended up capturing kuwait city
u.s did no act
ltr bush did want to fight back, followed margaret thatcher
deonunced saddams conquest
Lecture 2:
u.s brokered deal w s.a. to defend kuwait
operation desert shield
operation desert storm was launched in 1991, leading to the liberation of Kuwait and a significant shift in U.S.-Middle East relations.
was looking for coalition of friendly countires to condemn and sactioned iraq , which resulted in a united front against Iraqi aggression and set the stage for future military and diplomatic actions in the region.
ended on feb 17, 1990
violated a decade old taboo of letting foregin army on holy land
operation desert storm
powel favored overwhelming militray campaign for bush
legal backbone for bush was the un security Council resolution 678, which authorized member states to use force to uphold the sovereignty of Kuwait and restore international peace.
Lecture 3: containing Saddam
bush would keep trying to stop saddam
iraqi started giving up, protests agaisnt southern iraq from shia arabs,
operation southern watch A provide comfort
prohibited the use of Iraqi military forces in the south, aiming to protect the Kurdish and Shia populations from Saddam's repressive tactics.
OFFP
iraq could sell 2mill in oil or 6 months
fund suppposed to be set aside for rebuild for citizens
This program was known as the Oil-for-Food Program (OFFP), which allowed Iraq to generate revenue while ensuring that essential humanitarian supplies were provided to the Iraqi people.
Dual containment
was a strategy employed by the United States aimed at restricting the influence of both Iraq and Iran in the region, emphasizing a combination of economic sanctions and military readiness.
cold have went into bagdad but ulitmetly not the right choice