Prevailing+Issues+SWJ

**__ Terrorism __**  Terrorism is the use of violence and intimidation in the pursuit of political aims. Terrorism is a major concern in Iraq today. During Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship, he provided headquarters, operating bases, training camps, and other support to train terrorists. (Terrorism Havens: Iraq) This enabled Saddam Hussein to create a secret terrorist group in Iraq. The one of the major terrorist attack in the United States occurred in 1991, during the Gulf War. However this first attack terror was a failure. Iraq’s hatred of America intensified, and this lead to an alleged secret alliance with Al-Qaeda. However there is no solid proof of the two parties’ relationship. Still most people believe it is unlikely that these two parties are not allies. Iraq has also been accused of providing chemical weapons training for Al-Qaeda, and the country also provided support in acquiring weapons. In 2003, Iraq was officially listed as a sponsor of terrorism.

 The main parties, who Saddam helped was the Iranian (Mujahadeen-e-Khalq), and the Palestinian. Iraq is accused of sponsoring terrorism by providing weapons and financial resources to terrorists. For example, the Iraqi helped Abu Abbas, the Palestine Liberation Front leader, who was responsible for 1985 hijacking of the Achilles Laurocruise ship in the Meditteran. (IRAQ: Iraqi Ties to Terrorism) The CIA reported that Iraq increased support for such terrorist parties to encourage other countries to get involved in terrorism. Saddam Hussein wanted to create terrorist allies so he could have the access to terrorists nearby.

 The tension between the United States and Iraq erupted in August 1990, when Iran invaded their tiny oil-rich neighbor of Kuwait. (Terrorism Havens: Iraq) This invasion caused some economic problems in the United States. The increasing tension led the United States to the declare war on Iraq. It is ironic to know that the relationship between the United States and Iraq was not always hostile in past. In the 1980s, the United States viewed Saddam Hussein as a useful regional counterweight to the Ayatollah Khomeini. (Terrorism Havens: Iraq) During the war between Iraq and Iran, the Unites States supported Saddam’s military with weapons, funds, and other types of aid.

 Iraq not only was accused of aiding terrorism, but it also was charged with developing and using weapons of mass destruction. In the 1980s, during the Iran-Iraq War, Iraqi troops used mustard and Sarin gas on the Iranian soldiers. It was discovered later that Iraq not only used these weapons of mass destruction on enemy soldiers, but also on their own people.

 The continuous danger Iraq poses on other nations has caused it to become one of the most targeted nations in the world.  **__Citations__** 
 * "Terrorism Havens: Iraq - Council on Foreign Relations." Council on Foreign Relations. 30 Oct. 2009 []
 * "IRAQ: Iraqi Ties to Terrorism - Council on Foreign Relations." Council on Foreign Relations. 31 Oct. 2009 [].