Iraniantruth

The last time a nation went to war with Iran was 30 years ago in 1980 against Saddam Hussein’s Iraq. The war lasted eight long years with approximately 1.8 million casualties on both sides of the conflict. The war was fought over provinces of Iran to which Iraq believe to have a legitimate claim. The provinces Iraq wanted were near the Persian Gulf along the border of Iraq and Iran; the provinces happened to be rich in strategic natural resources, especially oil. The main reason why the conflict was so long and bloody was because members of NATO, most importantly the United States, funded both sides of the conflict despite their apparent public distaste for either regime. This foreign policy carried out by the Reagan Administration to secure the stability of oil prices during the 1980’s so the balance of market share between the member states OPEC (Oil Producing and Exporting Countries) countries was maintained. The Iranian military fought valiantly and in 1988 emerged victorious despite sustaining the majority of the casualties and expenses. The newly formed Islamic Republic of Iran was fighting for its existence and the American support for the war effort on both sides solidified the establishment of the anti-American government. The Iran-Iraq war is a case study in successful short term policy that suits the expedient needs of a nation-state but has unwanted long term ramifications. The conflict is also a preview of what war with Iran might be like if the United States or Israel decides to declare war on that nation.