Questions and Answers
What are two basic interpretations of the Bush administration and the origins of the war in Iraq?
Bush lied to the Americans in order to start war in Iraq; too dangerous to not act - Saddam will strike first.
Explain the differences between Sunni and Shia.
Shia: lineage from Muhammad's cousin; martyrdom; clergy based on lineage. Sunni: lineage from Muhammad's father-in-law; no formal clergy.
Why is Iraq referred to as 'the improbable country'?
Population divided by wealth, tribes, and religion; no center of gravity.
Why is Afghanistan known as the 'graveyard of empires'?
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How did Saddam come to and maintain power in Iraq?
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What were the two important events in 1979 that changed US history, and how?
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What was the result of the Iraq-Iran war on Iraq?
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During the Iraq-Iran war, what was the response of the Reagan administration?
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Why did Saddam invade Kuwait, and what was the Bush administration's response?
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At the end of Desert Storm, why didn't the Bush administration go on to Baghdad and capture Saddam?
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Explain Operation Tin Cup.
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What were the terrorist attacks on the USA during the Clinton years and how did the president respond?
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What was Clinton's policy toward Saddam?
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What is the meaning of 'pinnacle of world sympathy'?
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What were candidate George W. Bush's foreign policy views during the 2000 presidential debates?
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Who were the neocons and what were their foreign policy beliefs?
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What was the Bush administration's response to threats from Al Qaeda, and why?
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At the time, could 9/11 have been prevented? Why or why not?
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What was the Bush administration's response to the 9/11 attacks?
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What are the problems with the term 'war on terror'?
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What did VP Dick Cheney mean by the 'dark side'?
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Bush asked a question many citizens wondered about: 'Why do they (Al Qaeda) hate us?'
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Why was Operation Enduring Freedom a quick 'victory'?
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How did Osama bin Laden escape from Tora Bora?
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What was the debate about harboring prisoners at Camp X-Ray, Guantanamo Bay?
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According to Bush, who were the 'axis of evil,' and why?
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Study Notes
Bush Administration and Iraq War
- Two interpretations of the Bush administration regarding Iraq's war origins:
- Bush allegedly deceived the American public to initiate war, using 9/11 as justification.
- Advocates argued it was crucial to act against Saddam Hussein, portraying noble intentions gone wrong.
Sunni and Shia Distinction
- Shia: Follow lineage from Muhammad's cousin, emphasize martyrdom, and have clergy based on bloodlines.
- Sunni: Follow lineage from Muhammad's father-in-law, lack formal clergy, allowing any learned individual to lead.
Improbability of Iraq
- Iraq is termed "the improbable country" due to division by wealth, tribes, and religion, lacking a unifying center.
Afghanistan's Historical Significance
- Known as the "graveyard of empires," a place with a long history of failed invasions.
Saddam's Rise to Power
- Gained power through joining the Baath Party, fostering relations with the USSR, and leading secret police operations.
1979 Events Impacting US History
- The Iranian storming of the US embassy resulted in 70 hostages.
- The USSR's invasion of Afghanistan aimed to re-establish government control in the region.
Aftermath of Iraq-Iran War
- The war resulted in significant debt for Iraq and enormous casualties due to prolonged conflict.
Reagan Administration's Iraq Strategy
- Provided covert support to Saddam during the Iraq-Iran war, introducing chemical weaponry.
Invasion of Kuwait
- Saddam invaded Kuwait for debt relief and increased oil access; the Bush administration responded by defending Kuwait.
Post-Desert Storm Strategy
- The Bush administration refrained from capturing Saddam in Baghdad to maintain stability in Iraq and foster trust with Arab allies.
Operation Tin Cup
- A strategy to request economic aid from allies to cover war costs.
Clinton Administration's Anti-Terror Response
- Targeted jihadist groups following attempted assassination of Bush, resulting in the bombing of the Mukhabarat headquarters.
Clinton's Iraq Policy
- Focused on preventing Iraq from developing weapons of mass destruction.
Global Sympathy after 9/11
- The concept of the "pinnacle of world sympathy" refers to worldwide displays of support for the US following the September 11 attacks.
George W. Bush's Foreign Policy Views
- Advocated for peace in the Middle East, strengthened alliances with Europe, and promoted a humble yet strong US stance during the 2000 debates.
Neoconservatives' Foreign Policy Beliefs
- Emphasized aggressive military action without restraint; included former liberals in their ranks.
Bush Administration's Al Qaeda Response
- Ignored multiple warning signs regarding impending terrorist threats.
9/11 Preventability
- The potential to prevent 9/11 was unclear; no explicit timeline, date, or location information was available prior.
Response to 9/11 Attacks
- The Bush administration targeted Iraq, incorrectly assuming involvement despite no direct evidence.
Issues with "War on Terror" Terminology
- The term's vagueness complicates identifying the enemy; it frames terror as a tactic rather than a specific target.
Cheney's "Dark Side" Concept
- Refers to clandestine methods employed to combat terrorism, including torture and bypassing trials.
Al Qaeda's Hatred towards the West
- Bin Laden attributed the blame to the West for Islamic humiliation, citing US support for Israel and resource exploitation.
Success of Operation Enduring Freedom
- Quick victory attributed to strong alliances, effective CIA operations, and the Taliban's inadequacy in modern warfare.
Bin Laden's Escape from Tora Bora
- He escaped due to insufficient US troop presence and lack of proper containment.
Guantanamo Bay Prisoner Controversy
- Debate arose over handling Taliban/Al Qaeda prisoners, with the argument that international law did not apply.
"Axis of Evil" According to Bush
- North Korea, Iran, and Iraq labeled as the "axis of evil," based on misconceptions regarding Saddam and weapons of mass destruction.
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Description
Explore the nuanced interpretations of the Bush administration's actions leading to the Iraq War. Understand the historical significance of Iraq and Afghanistan, alongside the divisions within the Iraqi population. This quiz covers key events and figures, including Saddam Hussein and the Sunni-Shia distinction.
