It seems that our involvement in Iraq will be the rehashed subject that will dominate the campaign and presidential election in November. There is no doubt that Americans abhor the death of countless American soldiers that were sacrificed to further the democratic ends of the country. But can we really help it, can the next president renege on our duty to the international community?
Except that its main industry is oil, do we really know Iraq? The most important symbol of the country is the
Iraq flag composed of three horizontal bands red, white and black with the Takbir (God is great) in green Arabic script is at the center of the white band. The design is based upon the Arab Liberation colors and approved by the Council of Representatives as a compromise and temporary replacement for the Ba'athist Saddam-era flag.
Iraq was part of the Ottoman Empire, but was occupied by Britain in the course of World War I; in 1920 it was declared member of the League of Nations, a mandate that placed it under direct UK administration. Iraq finally attained independence in 1932, then it became a republic in 1958, but such declaration was a sham because it was a series of strongmen that ruled the country until 2003. The last of such rulers was Saddam Husayn.
The history of Iraq is embroiled in hostilities, for eight long years it fought a costly war (1980-88) with Iran because of territorial disputes. Then in 1990 it annexed Kuwait, but was later on repulsed by the US-led, UN coalition forces during the Gulf War of January-February 1991.
Then on March 2003, the US-led invasion toppled Saddam Husayn, because of his refusal to allow the UN-led nuclear inspection team.
by:
The Flagman
