The Iran-Iraq War

On September 22, 1980, Iraq invaded Iran, starting a war that

continues to devastate both countries. Over one million

casualties have been reported. The interest shown in this

conventional war had been low due to superpower noninvolvement and

restrictions on foreign press agents in the war zone. Yet,

because of oil resources, Southwest Asia has been determined to be

of vital interest to the United States. The stability of the

entire region is jeopardized by this war.

This paper began as an analysis of this lengthy war during

the period 1983 to 1984. However, such an approach seemed to lack

a comprehensive understanding of the causes of the conflict and

the reasons the war has lasted as long as it has. To properly

understand the Iran-Iraq war, it is necessary to examine the many

facets that have contributed to the calamity from the beginning.

Chapter 1 is a historical perspective of Iran and Iraq, examining

the religious and ethnic aspects of the two warring nations. The

political and military development of both nations is also

considered, along with their relations prior to the war.

The war itself is covered in Chapter 2. A detailed analysis

of battles is purposely avoided, since the reader can find such

analyses in other sources. But the progression of the three

phases of the war is examined to demonstrate how the strategy of

stalemate has evolved.

An analysis of the conflict is covered in Chapter 3. The

strategies of both countries, and their leaders, is considered,

along with the tactics involved, weaponry used, and the problems

created for the entire region. These problems include superpower

involvement and, specifically, the problems encountered by the

United States interests in the war and its outcome.

Finally, the last chapter examines possible outcomes, U.S.

policy in the war, and considersations for the U.S. military. The

question of 'what next?' in this seemingly endless war is also

asked and a speculative answer is provided.

No primary sources were used for this paper due to the

paucity of information available from such sources. However,

several papers, articles and books have been written on the war

and contain excellent viewpoints, though somewhat biased towards

the West. These sources provided valuable information for an

understanding of what has taken place. This paper is written as a

comprehensive study of the entire Iran-Iraq war that will enable

the reader to basically understand a conflict that is very

involved and complicated. If this understanding is achieved, and

questions concerning U.S. involvement are raised, then the intent

of the author has been achieved.

Though this war is still ongoing, with major events taking

place during March 1985, this paper is limited to events that have

occurred through the first part of February 1985. It would appear

that yet another phase in the fighting is beginning, but due to

time limitations, these events will not be addressed.

Chapter 1

HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

The current conflict between Iran and Iraq can be considered

another phase in a regional struggle that has been going on for

hundreds of years. To properly understand this struggle, it is

necessary to investigate the religious and ethnic differences that

have contributed to the unique stresses afflicting the two

countries, as well as how the current governments came into power.

Coupled with the rise of the leaders involved, a review of the

military growth of each country is necessary to understand all

that has happened during the war.

Religion

Islam has been the dominant religion in the area, though

Judaism and Christianity have some roots in the region. Islam was

the last of the three to be established when Mohammed emerged in

610 A.D. to "preach the truth concerning God, Allah". Differences

of opinion concerning who was the rightful successor of Mohanmed

led to the creation of rival Shiite and Sunni factions of Islam.

The Shiite Moslems believe that successors of Mohammed

descend from Ali, Mohammed's son-in-law. These descendants are

known as Imams and are considered the infallible teachers and sole

source