Are you aware of the actual history behind the conflicts that the US is involved in?

Question

examples: Israel/Palestine, Iraq, and Iran.

1)what do you think is the cause of the conflict in Israel/Palestine? What did the British have to do with it?

2)Why did we invade Iraq in the early 90's? When exactly did Saddam gas the Kurds, and what made him think that he could invade Kuwait without argument?

3)Why was there a revolution in Iran in 1979? Who was Mossadegh?

I'm looking for historical fact here. I know the answers, I just want to see what you know.

Answer 1

1)what do you think is the cause of the conflict in Israel/Palestine?

In 1947 the UN partitioned the territory known as Palestine into two separate entities, Israel and Palestine. The reason was partially because of WWII and it's political aftershocks

What did the British have to do with it?

Palestine was a British protectorate from the Victorian era and had been the victim of several Jewish terrorist attacks, one of the most famous being the bombing of the Kind David hotel, lead by future Isreali PM Menachem Begin. This led to the partitioning. Many have argued that the actions of Jews at this time negates their arguement against Palestinian attacks.

2)Why did we invade Iraq in the early 90's?

Iraq had unlawfully invaded Kuwait.

When exactly did Saddam gas the Kurds

The initial attacks occured in 1987 but there were several after that. Most of the gas was provided by the US and the US did nothing due to Saddams war with Iran.

and what made him think that he could invade Kuwait without argument?

Saddam argued that Kuwait was a former protectorate of the old Persian nation, as such, he claimed the right of re-unification which of course failed.

3)Why was there a revolution in Iran in 1979?

The revolution came about due to the people of Iran overthrowing the Shah of Iran who ruled from the 60's. He was a puppet ruler who was installed with the help of the CIA and was funded by the US. The Ayatolla Khomeni became the head of the revolution and held the US accountable, which led to the hostage takings.

Who was Mossadegh? He was the PM of Iran prior to the CIA assisted coup which removed him. 1951-1953 (not sure of the dates)

Answer 2

1 - It has to do with the seizure and creation of Israel against the wishes of its previous Palestinian occupants. I don't know what the Brits have to do with it.

2 - We invaded Iraq in the '90s to protect Kuwait, which Iraq invaded in response to Kuwait tapping Iraq's oil wells. I'm not sure, but I think the US put Kuwait up to this.

3 - There was a revolution in Iran in '79 because Iran wanted to take back their government from the US-installed Shah, who was a ruthless dictator that was terrible to the Iranian people. Don't know who Mossadegh is.

Answer 3

The cause of the conflict in Israel and Palestine stems from the fact that Israel swept into their land, declared it as their own and essentially occupied them.

They're fighting for their land, and their lives back.

The other two...I need to do some research (later, I have work right now) and I'll get back to you.

Answer 4

popquiz!