Iraq's+Aggression

To the west of Iran is the country of Iraq. At this time, it was a militant and hostile country under the leadership of **Saddam Hussein** (who led starting in 1979). Iraq and Iran had many years of an uneasy relationship fueled by differences in religious belief. Both are Muslim nations, however the Iranians are largely Shia, whereas most Iraqi leaders are Sunnis. Iran and Iraq have engaged for years in disputes over territory, especially the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

In 1980, President Hussein launched an attack on Iran. Poison gas was used against civilians and children were used to clear minefields. A cease-fire was finally arranged in 1988.

In 1990, Iraqi troops moved across the border and occupied the small neighboring country of Kuwait and the head of the Persian Gulf. The invasion caused an outcry across the globe. The US led an international force that freed Kuwait and destroyed a large part of Iraq's armed forces. The allies hoped that someone from the inside would revolt, but **Hussein** remained in power.

For more information about differences between Sunni and Shia Muslims, click here.