1. Iran-Iraq War Support (1980-1988):
- Iraq was engaged in a long-standing conflict with its neighboring country Iran, known as the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988).
- Initially, the US adopted a neutral stance, but later shifted to providing political, intelligence, and financial support to Iraq.
- The support was motivated by concerns about Iran's revolutionary ideology and its potential influence on regional stability.
2. Economic Embargo on Iran:
- In 1979, the Iranian Revolution resulted in the overthrow of the pro-Western Shah and the establishment of an Islamic republic led by Ayatollah Khomeini.
- The US responded to the revolution by imposing economic sanctions and an embargo on Iran, further straining relations.
3. Arms Sales to Iraq:
- As Iraq struggled in the war against Iran, the US authorized the sale of weapons and military equipment to Iraq under certain conditions.
- The aim was to prevent Iraq from collapsing under Iranian pressure and to minimize Iranian gains.
4. Chemical Weapons Concerns:
- There were growing concerns about Iraq's use of chemical weapons against Iranian forces and its Kurdish population.
- The US condemned these actions, but did not take direct action to intervene.
5. 1991 Gulf War:
- In 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, leading to international condemnation and a US-led coalition's military response.
- This marked a significant shift in US policy, as it moved from supporting Iraq to leading an international effort to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait.
Overall, the US interactions with Iraq in the 1980s were largely influenced by the context of the Iran-Iraq War and the need to counter the perceived threat posed by Iran. However, the shifting dynamics of the conflict and other factors eventually led to a breakdown in relations and a direct confrontation in the 1991 Gulf War.