History of Southwest Asia: U.S. Involvement in SW Asia (SS7H2d)

History of Southwest Asia:

U.S. Involvement in Southwest Asia

​(SS7H2d)

by Susan Reed

​Flat Rock Middle School

​7th Grade

Multiple Choice

The stated purposes of the war in Iraq that began in 2003 involve all of the following EXCEPT

• foster democracy in Iraq.

• restoring self-rule to Kuwait.

• promote freedom in the region.

• prevent an attack on the United States.

​Explanation

​Regardless of political opinions, the current war in Iraq has nothing to do with restoring self-rule to Kuwait.

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As is often the case, the establishment of a democratic, free state involves war (though this was not the case with the “Velvet Revolutions” following the fall of the Soviet Union).

Multiple Choice

The primary cause of the Gulf War (1990-1991) was

• the Iraqi army's sudden invasion of Kuwait.

• Iraqi possession of weapons of mass destruction.

• repeated attacks by the Iraqi navy on civilian targets within Israel.

• Iraq’s testing of a nuclear device as part of a test of its weapons program.

​Explanation

​Months after the Iraqi army's sudden invasion of Kuwait in 1990, the US- and allied forces- invaded Kuwait to drive out the Iraqi army.

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The fear was that Hussein would next invade Saudi Arabia, affecting regional alliances with the United States.

​

There was never, at that time, any talk of Hussein’s support of terrorism or his alleged possession of weapons of mass destruction.

Multiple Choice

Which group is generally held responsible for the terror attacks of September 11, 2001?

• Al-Qaeda

• Hezbollah

• PLO

• Taliban

​Explanation

Al-Quaeda, the hard-to-locate terror network headed by Osama bin Laden, has claimed responsibility for the attacks of September 11.​

Multiple Choice

Which of these statements BEST describes "the Taliban"?

• the political party of Saddam Hussein that was toppled in 2003

• the ruling party of Afghanistan toppled by U.S. forces in late 2001

• the terrorist group responsible for the attacks on September 11, 2001

• part of the "Axis of Evil" as identified in President Bush's State of the Union address in 2002

​Explanation

​The Taliban was the ruling party of Afghanistan toppled by U.S. forces in late 2001. They are suspected of sponsoring of the Al-Quaeda terrorist network.

Multiple Choice

What event is generally considered to be the "spark" that started the "War on Terrorism"?

• the war in Iraq, 2003-present

• 1991 Iraq invasion of Kuwait

• the war in Afghanistan, 2001-present

• September 11, 2001, attacks on the U.S.

​Explanation

​The September 11, 2001, attacks on the U.S. are generally considered the start of the "War on Terrorism." The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq came about because of September 11.

Multiple Choice

"Since the UN (United Nation) Charter provides the legal basis for the conduct of this operation, I do not believe it necessary now to obtain additional UN endorsement for the MNFES (Multinational Force to enforce sanctions). Subject to the consent of the UNSC (United Nations Security Council) Permanent members, I agree to allow U.S. participation in the discussions of the MNFES operation for enforcing sanctions against _____ and Kuwait by the UN Military Staff Committee." President George H.W. Bush, August 20, 1990

Which country's name goes in the blank in this speech by President Bush?

• India

• Iran

• Iraq

• Israel

​Explanation

​This excerpt is from a declassified National Security Council memo just before the Gulf War with Iraq in the early 1990s.

​

In this, President Bush (41) lays out his policy in the months prior to the use of military force against Saddam Hussein following his invasion of Kuwait.

Multiple Choice

The actions of Al Qaeda have had the BIGGEST impact on which of these?

• increasing fuel prices

• decreasing food prices

• the real estate collapse

• formation of communist groups

​Explanation

​Of the choices, the actions of Al Qaeda have had the BIGGEST impact on increasing fuel prices. Uncertainty in the Middle East, combined with an increase in global demand, has caused oil prices to rise steadily since 2001.

Multiple Choice

What was the MAIN cause of the first Gulf War (1990-1991)?

• Iraq's army invaded Kuwait.

• Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction.

• Iraq repeatedly attacked civilian targets within Israel.

• Iraq's testing of a nuclear weapon along the border of Iran.

​Explanation

​Months after Iraq's army invaded Kuwait. in 1990, the US- and allied forces- invaded Kuwait to drive out the Iraqi army. The fear was that Hussein would next invade Saudi Arabia, affecting regional alliances with the United States. There was never, at that time, any talk of Hussein’s support of terrorism or his alleged possession of weapons of mass destruction.

Multiple Choice

What was Osama bin Laden BEST known for?

• founding an Islamic extremist terrorist group

• destroying the oil rigs of Kuwait in the 1990s

• organizing the Taliban to resist Soviet occupation

• running the largest dictatorship in the Middle East

​Explanation

​Osama bin Laden was the founder of Al Qaeda, an Islamic extremist terrorist group.

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He was accused of planning out the terrorist attacks that took place on September 11, 2001, as well as being the orchestrator of other terrorist acts. On May 2, 2011, bin Laden was killed by American forces who infiltrated his secret compound in Pakistan.

Multiple Choice

Saddam Hussein was the leader of what country from 1979 to 2003?

• Afghanistan

• Iran

• Iraq

• Pakistan

​Explanation

Saddam Hussein was the leader of Iraq for approximately 24 years. He was toppled from power by U.S. forces in 2003.​

Multiple Choice

What was the primary goal of the United States and its allies in the Persian Gulf War in 1991?

• Liberate Kuwait from Iraqi forces.

• Open shipping lanes for oil tankers.

• Disrupt the Al Qaeda terrorist network.

• End the rule of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

​Explanation

​The expressed purpose in the First Gulf War of 1991 was to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi forces, not strike at a dictator or terrorist organization. President George H.W. Bush was reacting to the Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August of 1990.

Multiple Choice

Which of these actions caused the United Nations and the international community to condemn Iraq in August 1990?

• Iraqi forces invaded and occupied the country of Kuwait.

• Iraq ordered attacks on American embassies around the world.

• Saddam Hussein ordered attacks on Kurdish forces within Iraq.

• Saddam Hussein claimed responsibility for terrorist attacks in the U.S.

​Explanation

In August of 1990, the United Nations and the world condemned Iraq's invasion and occupation the country of Kuwait. The invasion of the oil-rich nation was ordered by Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

Multiple Choice

As part of the Gulf War, the US came to the aid of Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Which number represents the country that invaded Kuwait?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

• 5

​Explanation

​Iraq, located at point 2, under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, invaded and annexed the country of Kuwait in 1990. The US led a coalition of forces in Operation Desert Storm to take back Kuwait. Although he was defeated, Saddam Hussein remained in power in Iraq.

Multiple Choice

Which of these events MOST impacted the way Americans viewed the Middle East region?

• Hurricane Katrina, 2005

• the First Gulf War, 1990

• the Fall of the Berlin Wall, 1989

• Sept 11 Terrorist Attacks, 2001

​Explanation

Even though the First Gulf War was fought in the Middle East region in 1990-1991, it was not until the September 11th Terrorist Attacks, 2001 that American's really changed their views about the Middle East region.

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• The Department of Homeland Security was created.

• It was the first time American's were attacked on American soil in a long time.

• The 9/11 attack made many people fearful of the Middle East.

Multiple Choice

President George H. Bush was able to convince U.N. forces to invade Iraq in a military effort known as "Operation Desert Storm" because nations feared

• Iraq's leader Saddam Hussein planned to invade Saudi Arabia next, which was an important U.S. ally.

• Iraq's leader Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait was an attempt to control the oil in the Persian Gulf.

• Iraq's leader Saddam Hussein threatened to join forces with Iran and create a militant Islamic federation.

• Iraq's leader Saddam Hussein was working with the terrorist group Al Qaeda to develop biological weapons of mass destruction.

​Explanation

​President George H. Bush was able to convince U.N. forces to invade Iraq in a military effort known as "Operation Desert Storm" because nations fearedIraq's leader Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait was an attempt to control the oil in the Persian Gulf. Operation Desert Storm brought together military units from 28 nations and forced Iraq to evacuate from Kuwait in less than 4 days.

Multiple Choice

In 1991, the United States began Operation Desert Storm, a military action against the country of Iraq. The U.S. again fought Iraq in 2003.

Which number represents the location of the country of Iraq?

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

​Explanation

​The country of Iraq is located in the region of the world known as the Middle East. It is represented by the number 2.

Multiple Choice

What event led to the United States bombing Afghanistan on October 7, 2001?

• The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan

• Taking of American hostages in Tehran

• Attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon

• Ronald Reagan telling Gorbachev "Tear down this wall!"

​Explanation

​The attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001 led to the U.S. bombing of Afghanistan on October 7, 2001. The U.S. invaded Iraq on March 19, 2003.

Multiple Choice

Which had the MOST significant impact on the Department of Defense budget increase between 2001 and 2014?

• increasing NATO troop levels

• fighting the war on terrorism

• protecting US embassies abroad

• rebuilding the military infrastructure

​Explanation

In 2001, the September 11 terrorist attacks set into motion a number of military operations.

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Fighting the war on terrorism required the United States to invest billions of dollars into troops deployment, equipment, and more.​

Multiple Choice

How did the United Nations respond to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in January 1991?

• Armies from several countries were sent to push out the Iraqis.

• The U.N. approved the use of nuclear weapons to end the attack.

• The U.N. refused to participate so the U.S. had to send troops.

• Peace keepers were sent in to convince the Iraqis to leave Kuwait.

​Explanation

​In response to the invasion, armies from several countries were sent to push out the Iraqis. The war lasted seven weeks, and the Iraqis were eventually pushed out.

Multiple Choice

Which statement best describes the United States' role in the Persian Gulf War?

• The U.S. sent help only when needed.

• The U.S. stayed out of the war completely.

• The U.S. led the fight against the Iraqis.

• The U.S. remained neutral not taking a side.

​Explanation

During the Persian Gulf War, the U.S. led the fight against the Iraqis. The war lasted seven weeks, and the Iraqis were eventually pushed out.

Multiple Choice

The cost of the Persian Gulf War to the United states was around $61 billion (in 1992). How was the U.S. able to cover this cost?

• The U.S. greatly increased taxes on wealthy American citizens.

• Iraqi soldiers were captured and forced to work to pay the debt.

• Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab states gave the U.S. money.

• The U.S. forced the Iraqi government cover these costs after the war.

​Explanation

​To help pay for the Persian Gulf War, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and other Arab states gave the U.S. money. About $52 billion of the total was paid by these other countries. Kuwait and other Arab states paid $36 billion, and $16 billion was paid by Germany and Japan.

Multiple Choice

The United States invaded Iraq in 2003 with which of these goals in mind?

• toppling Saddam Hussein's government

• starting a war with Saudi Arabia and Iran

• building homes and schools for the Iraqis

• taking full control of Saudi Arabia's oil supply

​Explanation

The U.S. went to Iraq with the goal of toppling Saddam Hussein's government. The success of this mission eventually ended Hussein's control that had lasted over twenty years.​

Multiple Select

Choose all the items that reflect reasons for the United States' interest in the Middle East/Southwest Asia.

• oil

• diamonds

• aluminum

• natural gas

• nuclear energy

​Explanation

Deposits of oil and natural gas found in Southwest Asia describe the main reasons the United States is interested in the region.

Multiple Select

Choose all of the reasons that the United States became involved in the Persian Gulf War (1990-1991).

• The U.S. became involved in the Persian Gulf War to remove Iraqi soldiers from Kuwait.

• The U.S. became involved in the Persian Gulf War to secure oil fields in the Middle East.

• The U.S. became involved in the Persian Gulf War to stop the Taliban from hiding Osama bin-Laden.

• The U.S. became involved in the Persian Gulf War to secure their oil interest in the Middle East.

• The U.S. became involved in the Persian Gulf War to end the Iranian Hostage Crisis.

​Explanation

The United States became involved in the Persian Gulf War to remove Iraqi soldiers from Kuwait. Following the invasion of Kuwait ordered by Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, Arab nations in the region called for the United States along with other Western nations to intervene.

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The U.S. became involved in the Persian Gulf War to secure their oil interest in the Middle East.​