Iraq's Use of Chemical Weapons, 1984-1986

When did Saddam Hussein authorize the use of chemical weapons without prior approval, leading to an increase in effectiveness?

December 1986

What was the motivation behind the US sharing intelligence information with Iraq starting in 1987?

Fear that Basra would be captured, the Iraqi military would collapse, and Iran would win the war.

What has been questioned about the use of chemical weapons in the Iran-Iraq War?

Whether they were used for psychological effect rather than military necessity.

What was the primary concern of the US during the Iran-Iraq War?

that Iran might gain political influence across the region Signup and view all the answers

What international agreement had both Iran and Iraq signed, prohibiting the use of chemical weapons?

The 1925 Geneva Protocol Signup and view all the answers

What efforts were made to prevent the use of chemical weapons during the Iran-Iraq War?

Efforts to control the materials and equipment needed for CW Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Iraqi use of chemical weapons during the last 18 months of the war with Iran?

To maintain momentum of assault, deny terrain, and achieve a psychological effect. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Anfal campaign launched by Iraq against the Kurdish population?

To punish the Kurds and end the rebellion, as well as to repel an Iranian advance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the concept of 'extended deterrence'?

To deter any Soviet military action against the West Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated number of Soviet targets that the United States could destroy in a retaliatory strike with 6,000 strategic warheads?

1,000 to 2,000 Signup and view all the answers

What is the framework within which all strategic arms control negotiations with the Soviets have been conducted?

The concept of extended deterrence Signup and view all the answers

What is the suggested approach to achieve significant reductions in nuclear warheads?

By adopting a policy of mutual example through unilateral actions Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum number of warheads required for deterrence?

1,000 warheads on each side Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the Antiballistic Missile Treaty in the context of nuclear disarmament?

It enables the reduction of nuclear warheads through unilateral actions Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate objective of nuclear disarmament efforts?

To eliminate nuclear weapons altogether Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the year 2000 in the context of nuclear disarmament?

It is the year when the concept of mutual example was first proposed Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern in the context of nuclear deterrence?

Preventing nuclear attack by other nuclear powers Signup and view all the answers

What is the main obstacle to achieving a world free of nuclear weapons?

The necessity to hedge against uncertainties in the status of other nations Signup and view all the answers

What is the current status of nuclear weapons deployment by the United States and the Soviet Union?

Their deployments are absurdly large and negotiations for reductions are slow Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of maintaining a large nuclear arsenal, according to the five declared nuclear powers?

To hedge against the uncertainties of the status of other nations Signup and view all the answers

What could be achieved with a much smaller nuclear force, according to the text?

All the purposes that these weapons can conceivably serve Signup and view all the answers

What is the status of tactical warheads deployed by the United States and the Soviet Union in Europe?

They are no longer serving any military or political purpose Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of international action in resolving conflicts and containing them below the level of war?

It is necessary for resolving conflicts and containing them below the level of war Signup and view all the answers