Iraq: An Introduction to the Country and People

The United States is committed to on-going involvement with Iraq to rebuild the country. Marines, who deploy to Iraq or are involved with Iraqis, need a basic knowledge of the country, its culture, history, and present-day state of affairs. This handbook explains a number of basic issues that should be in the knowledge toolbox of a Marine working with Iraqis or deployed to the region. There are three important factors that have shaped Iraqi culture and society Islam -- particularly, the division between Sunnis and Shias Shiites Oil -- which supplies Iraq with its life blood and Saddam Hussein -- former leader of the country. The handbook addresses the following topics Iraqi Culture, History, and Religion Culture and Peoples Kurds Iraqi Economy and Livelihood Religious Divisions Iraqi Nationalism Secular vs. Religious Tribes and Villages Iraqi History Islam British Influence Rise of Saddam Hussein -- Background and Baath Party Saddam Hussein -- Former Leader of Iraq Saddam Husseins Policies Kurdish Oppression International Response to Saddam Husseins Oppression Iran-Iraq War Persian Gulf War Defiance of United Nations and Restrictions on Iraq Arms Inspections and Disarmament Inspections -- 1991-1998 Important Post-1998 Events Iraqs Weapons Declaration A New Coalition Possible Options for Invading Iraq Operation Iraqi Freedom Preparation for War The War Begins Top Priority -- Baghdad War in the South War in the North War in the West The Turkish Card OIF Statistics After Operation Iraqi Freedom Important Political Events in Post-Saddam Iraq the New Iraqi Government Guerilla-Style War Operation Iron Hammer and Reconstructing Iraq -- Nation Building. Appendixes include a primer on Islam, including basic concepts, Arabs and Islam, Mohammed, Five Pillars of Islam, the Koran and Sunnah, jihad, Islamic schools, and Osama bin Laden quick facts on Iraq and a chronology of events from August 1990-August 2002.