Preludes: America, Iraq, and the Iran-Iraq War

Abstract This chapter provides important historical context for the American wars in Iraq. It covers the history of American foreign relations from the late nineteenth century until the end of the Cold War. It pays close attention to American attempts to shape world order in the twentieth century. Then, it discusses Iraqi history, with a focus on the ideological and institutional foundations of Saddam Hussein’s rule. Finally, it covers the Iran-Iraq War from 1980 to 1988. The Iran-Iraq War drew the United States deeper into regional issues and solidified Saddam Hussein’s rule. However, it ended with no unresolved policy disputes. For that reason, this book treats it as a precursor to later conflicts rather than part of the Iraq Wars proper.