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IB History: IRAN-IRAQ

To what extent were the religious causes significant in the outbreak of the Iraq-Iran War?
Please don't write vague answers, it should be a 200-300 word evaluative essay style answer.

User Ravi Sahu
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Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

Religion was a significant factor in the outbreak of the Iran-Iraq War, but it was not the only cause of the conflict. The war, which lasted from 1980 to 1988, was primarily a territorial and ideological dispute between the two countries, fueled by a long history of tensions and rivalries.

One of the main religious causes of the war was the difference in the interpretation and practice of Islam between the two countries. Iran is predominantly Shia Muslim, while Iraq is predominantly Sunni Muslim. These two branches of Islam have a long history of sectarian conflict, and the leaders of both countries used this religious divide to mobilize support for their respective causes.

In addition to religious differences, the war was also driven by a number of other factors, including territorial disputes, economic competition, and the desire for regional dominance. Iraq's Saddam Hussein saw Iran as a threat to his own power, and sought to annex Iranian territory along the Shatt al-Arab waterway. Iran, under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini, saw Iraq's aggressive actions as a threat to its own security and national interests, and sought to defend its territory and ideology.

Overall, while religion played a significant role in the outbreak of the Iran-Iraq War, it was not the only cause of the conflict. A complex mix of political, economic, and ideological factors contributed to the tensions between the two countries, and ultimately led to the outbreak of war.

User Naome
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