Annotated Bibliography

"ʿAlī Ḥasan al-Majīd." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 28 Nov. 2012.

school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/%CA%BFAl%C4%AB-%E1%B8%A4asan-al-Maj%

C4%ABd/487470​. Accessed 1 Apr. 2019.

Ali Hasan al-Majid was a cousin of the infamous president, Saddam Hussein, who was

involved in the genocide of the Kurds and greatly influenced al-Majid’s actions to be

known for constant attacks upon the Iraqi people. He rose to power in the government

along with Hussein and launched his first attacks around 1988 which killed a vast number

of people. He continued and squashed domestic unrest until the US invasion which

eventually became his downfall, was charged with acts against humanity, and executed in

2010.

The source contained another viewpoint of the genocide other than the face of it, Saddam

Hussein. It was widely accepted by others in iron command, such as al-Majid, who also

found that the Kurd people endangered Iraq’s survival. It informs an important message

that Hussein was not the only one who was behind the genocide, but it rather involved

multiple people.

The document helped to shine light on others that were involved and not only Hussein,

which can help form our argument by showing that the genocide was fueled by many to

occur, and also the reason that so many died before any major action was taken to stop it.
 This proves a concept that can be elaborated on and spark a new idea about the tragic

event.

Bekas, Sherko. "Gods." Translated by Halo Fariq and Alana Marie Levinson-LaBrosse. World

Literature Today, vol. 92, no. 4, 2018, p. 44. Student Resources In Context,

http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A543779211/SUIC?u=j043905048&sid=SUIC&xid=

1e30de80. Accessed 27 Mar. 2019.

From the chemical-weapon attack to the Kurds in Halabja, a witness of the attack, Sherko

Bekas portrays in his writing about the devastating results after the attack which was

“villagers' bodies [being] burned, but none moved.” Sherko’s writing explains how the

Kurds tried to resist the pain of what was going on even when it was terrifying but

nothing could have been done than to continue on. Even so all they could do as Sherko

emphasized was “only to...light the cigarettes on their lips [,] did they incline their heads

To those fires,” showing of how the had to continue on even though in their surrounding

the people they knew were burning around them.

This source hold the viewpoint of someone who has experienced an attack which was led

by Saddam Hussein’s campaign of attacking the kurds. This source was one of the 20

script written by Sherko Bekas which was about the attacks that the Kurds went through.

This source is partially biased shown in a neutral perspective shown from the side of the
 Kurds. Possibly, Sherko’s goal was to write to the people of Iran and Iraq to show what is

happening to Kurds and how they are facing it.

His writing help show another viewpoint of what is happening and relates to our research

from bringing in an opposing viewpoint of what Saddam was involved in and the leading

and part of the Anfal Genocide. This source can be used an article of our project telling

the views and information of a survivor, that was involved in a part of the Anfal

Genocide.

"Chemical weapon." ​Britannica School​, Encyclopædia Britannica, 15 Apr. 2016.

school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/chemical-weapon/110179​. Accessed 7 Apr. 2019.

Countries have developed various chemical weapons to use in warfare, and these

weapons have varying properties. The first use of choking agents, which can cause death

due to asphyxiation, occurred in World War I. The development of blister agents, another

type of chemical weapon, also occurred during World War I. Blood agents also cause

death by asphyxiation, but by affecting the transfer of oxygen in blood, and not by

affecting the lungs. Nerve agents, one of the most lethal chemical weapons, causes parts

of the brain controlling tasks like respiration to stop, and also stops the functioning of

muscles, causing the heart to stop.

 The source describes the type of chemical weapons that were used by Iraq for the

genocide, and then talks about the materials of each, and how the materials of each

weapon are used for a different purpose, whether it be a nerve agent, blood agent or

blister agent. Compared to the other sources in the bibliography, it contains information

that is extremely detailed, and it goes into further depth, talking about other nations as

well. The purpose of the article is to inform about chemical weapons, which materials

compose them, as well as where each has been used, and the article portrays no bias in

doing so.

This source proved to be quite helpful in research, as prior to viewing it, there was little

knowledge of the chemical weapons that Iraq used, and after reading it, it became clearer

of what type of weapons they used, how they functioned, where they were used, and the

article provided quite a bit of material that was used to elaborate on the chemical

weapons section in the final product. It helps intensify the poor treatment and harsh

killings of the Kurds during that time period. It hasn’t changed the viewpoint on the

topic, as it is solely an informative article without bias. The article helped answer the

questions of “How did Saddam and the Iraqis carry out the genocide?” and “How were

the chemical attacks of the genocide executed?”, and lead to any further questions.

Chivers, C.J., and David Rohde. "Thousands of Kurds flee front-line cities fearing attack by

Hussein." New York Times, 18 Mar. 2003, p. A19. Student Resources In Context,
http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A98902884/SUIC?u=j043905048&sid=SUIC&xid

=16a2ba44. Accessed 28 Mar. 2019.

This article describes the reasons people chose to leave cities affected by the genocide

and by attacks from the Iraqi army. These cities included the cities of Kifri, Kalar,

Dohuk, and Erbil. People also stocked up on items to keep in their homes and plastic

sheeting to protect their homes from chemicals. People prepared to move when they

“sensed the United Nations weapons inspections would be drawing to a close (Chivers

and Rohde).” They worried that a war would break out against Saddam Hussein.

Additionally, conflicts between Kurdish and Turkish officials have occurred in this

area over control of parts of the area.

This article described some of the conditions faced by Kurds towards the end of the

genocide. It contains several accounts from people living in the area at the time, and

has reliable information. The news article does not have much bias, however, the

some of the information about the U.N.’s and U.S.’s involvement has verification only

from Kurdish officials and not their own as well. The article comes from a credible

source and it aims to spread information about the genocide.

This source provided helpful information about conditions during the genocide and

conflicts between the Iraqi government, the Kurds and other countries. This article,

along with other sources, explained that the Kurds also stood out and protested the
 genocide by rebelling. It describes the influence the government’s actions had on the

Kurds and their thoughts about these actions. It raised questions about the U.S.’s

involvement and actions in the area. It also sparked questions about other countries

attempting to take control of the area and their involvement.

"Iraq." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 25 Oct. 2018.

school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/Iraq/275087#225875.toc​. Accessed 1 Apr. 2019.

Under Saddam Hussein, Iraq became involved in two wars, the Iran-Iraq War and the

Gulf War, which led to the country agreeing to destroy all chemical and biological

weapons. At this time Iraq also had internal conflicts, including a Kurdish rebellion.

Tensions increased with Iraq and the United Nations. The United States later attacked

Iraq on suspicion of the country having weapons of mass destruction. Eventually, the US

captured Hussein and tried him for his crimes, after the finding of other evidence.

This source helped with finding the background information, and finding events

occurring at the same time, which had relation to the genocide. It does not provide

primary source anecdotes like some of the other sources, but has some useful

information. Also, it mentions issues Iraq had with the UN and other countries during this

time. Additionally, it mentions significant internal issues Iraq faced which contributed to

the genocide. Overall, this source had credible, mostly unbiased information which

provided some background for the research questions.

 This information helped create a foundation for the research by explaining the events

which set a background for the genocide. It answered questions about other issues Iraq

faced at the time, and provided the idea of creating a concurrent events sections.

Additionally it explains the issues in Iraq which strained relations with the UN, and

explains that its chemical attacks violated an agreement with the UN. Overall, it

answered some parts of a research question and sparked a new question.

"Iraqi Government Promotes Genocide of Kurds, c. 1960-c. 1970." ​Historic World Events,​

Gale, 2012. ​Research in Context​,

http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/BT2359070287/MSIC?u=j043905048&sid=MSIC

&xid=ef5ca7a5. Accessed 7 Apr. 2019.

The Kurds have wanted an independent nation many years, and the Ottoman Empire

briefly promised it to them in the Treaty of Sevres. However, the Ottoman Empire

became the country of Turkey, which re-negotiated the treaty, and did not offer the

promise of an independent country. The attacks on Kurds in Iraq began in the late

1950s, with Brigadier General Abdul Karim Kassem attacking Kurdish villages after

mentions of an independent Kurdish nation. Later leaders acknowledged the Kurds,

but refused the requests for autonomy. Saddam Hussein promised the Kurds

autonomy, however, he never established an autonomous region, and instead

continued the persecution of Kurds.

 This article provides information about the history of persecution faced by the Kurds.

The source mentions the background of demands for a separate country for Kurds,

while most of the other sources focus on events occurring during the genocide. While

the source has reliability, it also has bias. The choice of words leans in favor of the

Kurds, and while they faced many atrocities during the Anfal campaign, the article

uses words which portray the Kurds in a positive light, even while describing events

not connected to the genocide. While people must acknowledge the atrocities

committed by the Iraqi government, articles describing these events must remain

neutral.

The article provided information for background of the genocide and causes of the

genocide sections. Also, it provided information regarding the people involved, their

roles in history, and how their actions affected the genocide. While the source had

some bias, it also had details about previous leaders and the Kurds’ fight for

autonomy. The source described some of the actions taken by the previous

government, either in support of or against Kurds. However, it did not lead to further

research about the history of violence against the Kurds, as this article shared some

information with another.

"Kurd" Encyclopædia Britannica, 18 Jan. 2019 Encyclopædia Britannica, inc.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Kurd​. Accessed 1 Apr. 2019.

 The Kurds lived upon a vast amount of land, covering the land of Iraq, Syria, and

Armenia. They lived a rather simple life, as most were supposed to grow up in their

native town and become settled farmers, but some grew to play important roles in their

society. When Hussein was elected president, he found this a threat to Iraq, and began

his rule and abuse up on the people.

This proves to be an important piece of information as it gives information of the

people that suffered the most from the genocide: the Kurds. It represents what the

Kurds did for a living and how it did not intervene with the success of Iraq, but still

got abused and killed as if they were nothing.

This information can be helpful in displaying both sides of the tragic event, and proves

the innocence of the Kurds and the evil of the government and people of the time

while developing our argument at the same time. Unlike most document on this

subject, this one covers the victim’ side perspective and not the genocide leaders.

"Kurdish rebellion." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 3 Dec. 2018.

school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/Kurdish-rebellion/312054​. Accessed 1 Apr. 2019.

 The Kurdish rebelling after not being able to have their home land after the Treaty of

Sevres was replaced by the Treaty Lausanne. This article shows one of the starting causes

that lead and were in the Anfal Genocide. The article is mostly about the cause of the

Kurds rebelling and how Turkey, Iran, and Iraq was intertwined in the events.

This source is useful to help explain one of the whole reasons of why they were the

Kurds were attacking. Their attacks weren’t for any reason but to claim back what was

originally theirs and to protect themselves from the harsh things the other countries were

doing to them. Also this source introduces important documents, which were the Treaty

of Sevres and the Treaty of Lausanne.

This source helps create an argument that support the side of the Kurdistan people. Also

this helps show how harshand evil the other countries were to the Kurs while they were

desperately find a place that they could call home and gain a safe life in privacy. This

writing can be used to add information of the causes for the anfal genocide in the

viewpoint of the Kurds.

"Kurdistan can no longer be part of an Iran-dominated sectarian Iraq." Telegraph Online, 25

Sept. 2017. Student Resources In Context,

http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A506382048/SUIC?u=j043905048&sid=SUIC&xi

d=2e44a5fc. Accessed 29 Mar. 2019.

Iraqi Politicians threatened the Kurdistan People and is no longer able to stay in some

parts of Iraq. After the fall of Saddam Hussein, the Kurds agreed to participate in

government after a long time of denial of their own rights while withstanding the effects

of the Anfal Genocide and the Halabja Chemical Attacks. Even so, Iraq has violated

many article and was extremely biased, leading to other attacks that later on diminished

resources that starved many. As the Kurds worked to seek peace and security of the

regions in Iraq, the other Iraqi Politicians continued on various actions that negatively

impacted the Kurdistan people.

This is a useful source because it contains information of the after affects of parts of the

Anfal Genocide. It shows the continuation of the Iraq abusing the Kurdistan people, even

though the Kurds were contributing to their society. This source was biased towards the

side of the Kurds, but it contained valuable information of how the politics were

conflicting inside its own group and it showed how the Iraq were breaking its own rules

to against the Kurds, while acting inhumane towards them. This article represent how the

Iraq was demeaning their own laws and “common/normal” ethics in order to go against

government, even though they are controlling it to discriminate the Kurds.

This information helps add on more detailed information to describe the terrible

occurring event were happening in other regions on new territories of the Iraq. This

helped to answer how the hate for kurdistan quickly spread why they were gaining little

help during the many offenses against them. This can be used in our project to give some
 background information about what was happening during and after Saddam Hussein’s

reign and the effect he brought to the many Kurds.

"Kurds." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 3 Dec. 2018.

school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/Kurds/353351. Accessed 1 Apr. 2019.

The Kurds, an ethnic group living in the region of Kurdistan, faced persecution from the

government of Iraq and of several other countries. Most want to form an independent

country to avoid giving up their culture. In Turkey, the government suppressed the

Kurdish culture, and any political movements. However, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party,

otherwise known as the PKK, led guerilla attacks on the government. In Iraq, several

rebellions occurred, leading to issues with the government. The Anfal campaign, one of

the most well-known series of actions against the Kurds, caused the death of thousands of

Kurds, under Saddam Hussein.

This source contains relatively unbiased, objective information about the Kurds, their

history and actions against them. The article only contains facts and no testimonials from

witnesses of the genocide. It provides useful background information, and previous issues

which led to the Anfal genocide. Some of the other sources also provide background

information, however, this article has some information not present in the other articles.
 This article provided useful information for the causes, and background of the genocide.

It also stated that rebellions and tensions with the government had occurred before Anfal.

The article implies that these uprisings led to the Anfal genocide. Some of this

information also applies to the concurrent events and foreign issues section, such as the

mention of relations between Kurds and the Turkish government. In addition, it describes

some of the efforts the Kurdish people took to maintain their culture and attempt to form

a separate nation. However, it did not prompt any new question, and did not elaborate

much on events that happened during Anfal.

"Kurds' quest for justice overshadowed by economic discontent; Saddam Hussein was charged

this week with genocide for attacks on Kurds that killed as many as 100,000 in the

1980s." Christian Science Monitor, 7 Apr. 2006, p. 25. Research in Context,

http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A144215786/MSIC?u= j043905048&sid=MSIC&xid

=9665d967.Accessed 27 Mar. 2019.

The Kurdish autonomous region in Northern Iraq has faced several protests due to

economic issues. These issues have several causes, including the fact that the money sent

to the area by the central government never reached the area. However, the protests of the

locals turned violent when they destroyed a memorial dedicated to the victims of a

chemical attack on Halabja. According to people present during the protest, it started

peacefully but became violent after police opened fire. People’s frustration with the slow

rebuilding of the area has led to protests.

 This source contained information from people present at the time the events occurred,

making it fairly reliable. However, the article does not investigate the reasons behind the

issue, but does mention widespread corruption as a reason. It has provided useful

information for the aftermath of the genocide and the issues the Kurdish Autonomous

Region faces even after the genocide had ended. Additionally, it provides the youth’s

perspective of the issues, unlike the other articles.

This article provided information for the aftermath section and also for the concurrent

events section. It includes information about the state of northern Iraq and also the

people’s thoughts. However, it implies a disconnect in the ways of thinking, especially

over the destruction of a significant memorial. Some argue that the destruction of the

memorial does not have as much importance as the loss of a life. Others argue that the

protesters should not have destroyed the memorial despite the loss of a life, because they

would disrespect the memory of the 5000 people killed during chemical attacks in

Halabja. This article did not prompt new questions, but it offered a look into the issues

faced by the Kurds even after the genocide.

"Kurds say Iraq's attacks serve as a warning: As Bush considers toppling Saddam Hussein,

victims of Hussein's 'gassing' tell of his tactics." ​Christian Science Monitor​, 13 May

2002, p. 08. ​Opposing Viewpoints in Context,​

http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A85814485/GPS?u=j043905048&sid=GPS&xid=

2e06c8cb. Accessed 7 Apr. 2019.

During the Anfal Campaign, about 100,000 people were killed, 4,000 villages were

destroyed, and 60 were subject to chemical attacks, including the 5,000 people who

were killed in the Halabja attack alone. In response to this, President George Bush

plans to topple the regime with airstrikes and ground troops. Additionally, there are

survivors who have told stories of these bombings, including an open-fire story in

which Iraqi soldiers surrounded a group of men, made them stand in line, fired on

them, and left. Abdulsalam Khalil-Mohamed, a survivor of the shooting, iterates about

how they found him alive, shot him in the back, and moved on to kill more people,

and his brother was one of those killed in the shooting.

The source contains mostly similar information to other articles, yet what sets it apart

from those is that it contains personal experiences from survivors, which can be

essential to describing the events and scenarios, giving multiple perspectives on the

incident. The information is reliable, because it complies with other sources in the

bibliography, although it does contain some bias, supporting the Kurdish and their

perspectives on the incident. The main goal of the source is to depict the situation in

Iraq regarding the genocide, and explain the stories of survivors.

 This source was somewhat helpful, as it allowed for an incorporation of survivor

stories from the incident, and allowed for elaboration on the way soldiers open-fired

on civilians to kill as part of the genocide. It helps to show the detrimental effects of

the genocide, and how numerous people were brutally killed. Reading it has allowed

for a more empathetic view towards the Kurdish, understanding what they have been

through. The survivor stories in the article can be used to describe the methods of

killing of the Iraqi soldiers, and answers the questions “How did the Iraqi soldiers

carry out the genocide?”, but did not lead to more research questions

Perlez, Jane, and John Kifner. "KEY HUSSEIN AIDE TURNS HIMSELF IN TO FORCES

OF U.S." New York Times, 25 Apr. 2003, p. A1. Student Resources In Context,

http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A100602219/SUIC?u=j043905048&sid=

SUIC&xid=2757f137. Accessed 28 Mar. 2019.

The surrender of Saddam Hussein to the U.S forces marks the end of the terrible

event, and the relief of many who were under the rule of Saddam Hussein and others.

In the article it talks about the political unrest between the Kurdistan people kicking

out Arabs from their homes and the U.S military forces coming in to fight. This article

also shows the political arguments between the U.S and Iraqi Government.

This is a useful source for showing the government involvement occuring with the

Kurdistan people and Saddam Hussein. This source is not biased and correlates
 between both sides of the two governments and the ongoing fights with the Kurds and

Arabs. The goal of this source was to show the conversation between the two affairs

that was involved to help each side, from the automatic weapon fire that silenced the

night to the aid of starting oil barrels production.

In this source it contains context about the improvements and complaints about the

working of their society, government, security ,and resources, which were were

needed to be resolved. There was also information that helped to create an

understanding of how the politicians and higher ups thought about the situations. Also

on how they thought they could help country from the attacks and the normals need

that have to happen. This source helped add information on foreign affair involvement

between the U.S and the Iraqi government.

Rosenthal, Elisabeth. "Trial for 80's Chemical Attacks on Kurds Tests Scientists." New York

Times, 25 June 2006, p. A4(L). Student Resources In Context,

http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A147429686/SUIC?u=j043905048&sid

=SUIC&xid=0a0d9a30. Accessed 1 Apr. 2019.

This article describes scientists’ efforts to prove the use of chemical weapons,

including Mustard Gas and nerve agents, during the Anfal genocide. Saddam

Hussein’s forces attacked several areas in northern Iraq, including Halabja, killing

thousands. Many have testified about the attacks, and described the attack.
 Additionally, many have faced health issues later in life due to exposure to the nerve

agents. However, scientists state that they have only found some specific evidence and

that few medical records remain. This research could prove in court that the chemical

attacks did occur, and ensure that those affected gain compensation.

This source contains testimonies from witnesses of the attacks, however, it does

mention that scientists have not found much specific evidence. It mentions all of the

research done, and offers several perspectives, including those of the researchers and

the witnesses. The article does not have much bias and states that while most blame

Saddam Hussein for the attacks, researchers have not found enough evidence for a

trial. This source contained the most information about the use of chemical weapons

and the aftermath of chemical attacks, and the long-term effects on the people and

area.

This source aided in finding information about the methods used by Hussein’s forces

during the genocide. It also provided a little information about the aftermath and the

people involved who did not work with Saddam Hussein. It implies that the western

world did not believe the Kurds and needed concrete, specific evidence for a trial.

"Saddam Hussein." Britannica School, Encyclopædia Britannica, 3 Dec. 2018.

school.eb.com/levels/middle/article/Saddam-Hussein/274996. Accessed 27 Mar. 2019.

Saddam Hussein was very influential in contributing to the genocide of Kurds. As a

president of Iraq, he pushed his country into an eight year war, eventually annexed

Kuwait. Hussein was born in Tikrit and orphaned at an early age. The anti-western

movement in Iraq highly influenced Hussein's perception and lead him to become a

nationalist. After schooling, he took control of of the Iraqi government and placed his

relative as president. Saddam Hussein became more powerful and initiated a war, driven

with hate. This war killed thousand of civilians, and led to the death of two his sons.

Hussein turned himself in and was sentenced to death.

This article proves as useful because it states Hussein’s point of view and his perception.

This source helped provide information on the person who provoked the Anfal genocide

and carried out the harsh plans using Iraqi inventory. The source was not biased and

proved as a great resource to understand the face of the genocide.

This source contained information on Saddam Hussein, the face of the anti-Kurd group.

He influenced and provoked much of the killings of Kurds. This states his roots on how

achieved such disdain for an entire religion and managed to eliminate many Kurds.

However, it proved as mainly of a summary of his life and did not include every detail

Hussein played in the genocide.