SS Iraq Kuwait Transnational Terrorism 2013

Social Studies
Chapter 1: Managing Peace and Security: Regional and International Conflict

Theme: Managing International Relations (DC 2013) 1
The biggest challenge to peace and security is solving territorial disputes. To what extent do you agree with this statement?
Theme: Managing International Relations (DC 2013)
Why do conflicts occur?

Conflicts occur when countries respond in a hostile manner because they feel that their national interests have been threatened or there is a clash of interests among countries. Alternative methods such as diplomacy and deterrence have not been effective.
Case Study: Diaoyu / Senkaku Islands

Diaoyu (Chinese) or Senkaku (Japanese) are a group of uninhibited islands currently controlled by Japan in the East China Sea. Japan formally annexed the islands after her victory in the First Sino-Japanese War. Islands came under US government occupation after Japanese surrender in WW2.

Returned to Japanese control in 1972. The islands are also claimed by the Peoples Republic of China and Taiwan. Both claim that the islands have been part of Chinese territory since 1534.

In recent times, this long standing dispute has escalated into serious diplomatic tensions between China and Japan.

Possible reasons for conflict: 1.Competition for economic resources.
-In 1969, the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE) identified potential oil and gas reserves in the vicinity of the Senkaku Islands. -However, exploration for these valuable resources cannot start until the issue of territorial sovereignty has been settled.

Possible reasons for conflict 2. National Pride
-The islands are a reminder of Japanese historical acts of domination over China especially during the Second World War. -Recent acts by Japan to assert greater control over the islands have resulted in a reappearance of strong Chinese nationalism and patriotism.

Possible reasons for conflict 2. National Pride
-Eg. This show of patriotism have been seen in mass demonstrations against Japan, the boycott of Japanese goods and even violent attacks on Japanese nationals in China.
Put on your thinking caps
The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait was inevitable. Do you agree?
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Kuwait Towers
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Aerial View of Kuwait City
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Iraq city
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Reminders of conflict
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Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Part A: Background Iraq and Kuwait are located in the Middle East. Majority ethnic group: Arabs Religion practised by majority: Islam Potential causes of conflict: economic disparity between countries which may lead to envy from poorer nations.

Part A: Background There are differences in economic development among countries in the Middle East. Disparity between per capita income of oil producing countries vis a vis countries with little oil reserves.

Part A: Background Middle East is a region of global strategic importance. A major oil producing region. Oil is a major commodity used in many industries and transportation. Disruptions in oil supplies will affect the growth of many economies worldwide.

Part A: Background The Suez Canal is an important waterway linking Europe to Asia. Any disruptions to this transport route will affect trade in many locations worldwide. Due to the above reasons, major world powers (eg. USA) view developments in the Middle East seriously and are ready to intervene if necessary.

Part A: Background Iraq and Kuwait share a common border, history and culture. Both were former British colonies and formerly territories under the Ottoman Empire. In 1961, Kuwait was granted independence from the British.

Part A: Background Iraq refused to recognise Kuwaits independence as it claimed that Kuwait was historically a part of Iraq governed under the same territory when they were both under Ottoman rule. Iraq had on several occasions claimed sovereignty over Kuwait and even sent troops to claim Kuwait in 1961. Turned back when the British and other Arab nations sent troops to defend Kuwait.

Part A: Background Significance: Beginnings of potential conflict. Iraq had shown territorial designs on Kuwait, therefore it was a security threat to Kuwait. Although Iraq gave up its claim on Kuwait, there continued to be several instances where it used its military power to threaten Kuwait over border disputes. (need to consider the reasons for Iraqs recognition of Kuwaits independence, how genuine was it?)

Part A: Background Despite their differences, there were also instances where both countries cooperated. E.g. During the Iran-Iraq war, Kuwait provided Iraq with a loan of US $14 billion. (Important to note that Kuwait was motivated by self-interests as it saw the new Iranian regime as an external threat)

Part B: Contributing factors to conflict 1. Economic problems As a result of the Iran-Iraq war, Iraq owed about USD$80 billion in debts. The reconstruction of the war-torn country also required about USD $230 billion. Iraq thus had to find ways to repay the debts as well as rebuild the country.

Part B: Contributing factors to conflict 2. Link between fall in oil prices and Kuwait Iraq hoped to pay off their debts by earning more revenue from the sale of oil. However, oil prices fell due to overproduction by some countries, including Kuwait. They ignored quotas imposed by OPEC.
OPEC: Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries
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Part B: Contributing factors to conflict Such action caused a decline in oil prices (from US$18 to US $7 per barrel at one point) This decline caused Iraq to lose potential revenue which made it even more difficult to pay off her debts and improve her economic situation.

Part B: Contributing factors to conflict Significance: Tensions between Kuwait and Iraq may have increased as Iraq considered Kuwaits actions as an act of economic war. 3. Territorial disputes Borders inherited from the British were not well defined. Therefore, they were open to contention from both parties.

Part B: Contributing factors to conflict Case study #1: Rumaila oilfield. Both Iraq and Kuwait shared this profitable oilfield. In1990, Iraq accused Kuwait of stealing oil by drilling oil from the Iraqi side using slant-drilling technology. Kuwait denied such actions.

Part B: Contributing factors to conflict Iraq demanded that Kuwait stop drilling from the Rumaila oilfield and pay Iraq US $2.4 billion in compensation. Kuwait refused. Case study #2: Bubiyan and Warbah Islands. Kuwait inherited islands from the British. Iraq was unhappy as these islands were strategically located off Iraqs only port Umm Qasr.

Part B: Contributing factors to conflict Control of the islands meant that Kuwait had the potential to block off Iraqs access to the Gulf, which would affect Iraqs oil transportation and therefore its revenue earning potential. Iraq attempted to claim ownership of the islands in the 1960s and 1970s. From 1978, Iraq tried to lease the islands from Kuwait but both countries failed to reach a suitable agreement. Kuwait was fearful that any agreement would encourage Iraq to make further territorial demands.

Part B: Contributing factors to conflict Significance: Kuwait viewed Iraq as a security threat. 4. Ineffectiveness of mediation to resolve the conflict. Iraq complained to the Arab League on several issues. Under combined pressure from Saudi Arabia, Iran and Iraq, Kuwait and UAE agreed to produce oil according to OPEC quotas.

Part B: Contributing factors to conflict Arab league also organised a dialogue between Iraq and Kuwait. Negotiations appeared to start off well. OPEC ministers agreed to raise oil prices, which would benefit Iraq through increased revenue. At a meeting on 1 Aug 1990, Kuwait also agreed to write off Iraqs wartime debt as well as provide an additional US $500 million loan to Iraq.

Part B: Contributing factors to conflict However, Iraq walked out of the talks when Kuwait refused to give in to any territorial demands. Talks were scheduled to resume on 4 August 1990. However, in the early hours of 2 August 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait. (escalation of conflict)

Part C: Reasons for Iraqi Invasion 1. Iraqi government claimed that they had entered Kuwait at the request of the revolutionaries to free Kuwait from the ruling government. 2. Saddam Husseins character Viewed Kuwaits repeated refusals to give in to Iraqi demands as an act of defiance and a personal attack against him.
Revolutionaries: People who attempt to change the political situation in a country

Part C: Reasons for Iraqi invasion Invasion as a distraction to the countrys economic hardships as a result of the Iran-Iraq war.
3. Confident that the USA would not intervene in the conflict. After earlier meetings with the American ambassador, Saddam Hussein felt confident that the Americans were sympathetic to Iraq and would not aid Kuwait.

Part D: Reactions to the conflict 1. Fear of Iraqi dominance in the Middle East Iraq now controlled about 20% of worlds oil production. Concern that Iraq might set its sights on Saudi Arabias oil fields as well, knowing that the Saudi armed forces did not have the same battle experience as the Iraqis. (c.f. Iran-Iraq war)

Part D: Reactions to the conflict If Iraq controlled large reserves of oil, the world oil prices may be largely determined by the Iraqi regime. This would have economic implications for economies world wide. (eg. An Iraqi decision to raise oil prices would affect prices of goods and services worldwide. E.g. the price of MRT rides in Singapore would rise)

Part D: Reactions to the conflict 2. Arab response Most Arab countries were not in favour of western intervention. Kuwait appealed to the Arab League to organise a joint response to the Iraqi invasion. Mixed response from Arab nations. A vote condemning Iraqi actions as well as calling upon Iraq to withdraw was passed only by a slim margin. This showed that the League would find it difficult to deal effectively with the crisis and form a united response.

Part D: Reactions to the conflict 3. Western intervention Saudi Arabia invited the US to help defend the kingdom against any potential Iraqi threat. This grew into a military coalition comprising of more than 30 countries known as Operation Desert Shield.

Part D: Reactions to the conflict 4. International response UN security council passed a resolution unanimously demanding an immediate Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait. Both Kuwaiti and Iraqi assets worldwide were also immediately frozen to prevent Iraq from making use of the funds.

Part D: Reactions to the conflict Economic sanctions were also imposed on Iraq to force it withdraw from Kuwait. Countries were not allowed to buy from or sell to Iraq, except food and medicine. This reduced the revenue of Iraq significantly.
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Part E: Arguments for the use of force 1. Iraqs lukewarm response to a diplomatic solution Initially, Iraq seemed in favour of a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, even agreeing to withdraw if the ruling government was not allowed back in power.

Part E: Arguments for the use of force
Iraqs response became increasingly defiant after the Arab League voted to condemn Iraqs actions. Declared the annexation of Kuwait and refused to withdraw from the country. Took western nationals in Iraq and Kuwait hostage. They were taken to sensitive military installations to be used as human shields to deter any attacks on these places.
Annexation: to incorporate a country or other territory within the domain of another state

Part E: Arguments for the use of force Some diplomatic success. As a result of international criticism and diplomatic efforts, all women and children hostages were released. All hostages were released a few months later. With the threat of a coalition attack on Iraq, Iraq offered to withdraw from Kuwait if certain preconditions were met such as an end to sanctions, full control of the Rumaila oilfield etc. These demands were denied by the US.

Part E: Arguments for the use of force The UN gave Iraq a deadline of 15 January 1991 to withdraw its troops from Kuwait. A meeting between the Iraqi and the US Secretary of State in Geneva a few days before the deadline was also unsuccessful.

Part E: Arguments for the use of force 2. Economic sanctions would take a long time to take effect Full impact of sanctions would only be felt after a year or so. Some UN members may not adhere to the sanctions for economic gains.

Part E: Arguments for the use of force 3. Use of force deemed to be the most effective and efficient Operation Desert Storm began and a ceasefire was called when the coalition forces regained Kuwait City.
Coalition: Temporary alliance of distinct parties, people or states for joint action
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Tomahawk Cruise Missile
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US planes flying over burning oil wells
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Was the use of force absolutely necessary?

1. 2. 3. Decision to use force against Iraq was largely a US led initiative, with tacit support from Middle Eastern nations. Questionable how strong the support of the Arab nations were for a military solution to the conflict. Were diplomatic avenues given enough time or importance for them to be effective? Only a short period of 6 months between the invasion of Kuwait and the coalition attack on Iraqi forces. More time and effort on negotiations and diplomacy could have achieved a compromise solution. Did the coalition forces have any right to intervene in the conflict between two other nations? (for discussion)
Holiday Homework
(a) Explain how historical enmity contributed to the conflict between Iraq and Kuwait [5m] (b) Explain 2 other reasons that contributed to the conflict between Iraq and Kuwait. Which of them is more important? Explain your answer. [10m]
Submit the SEQ to your teachers on your first SS lesson. The marks will be included as part of CA1 marks.

Part F: Impact of the conflict 1. Economic impact Kuwait lost tremendous of revenue as retreating Iraqi forces set fire to 600 / 950 oil wells. (estimated damage about US $25 billion)

Part F: Impact of the conflict 2. Military Impact Military superiority of the coalition forces were able to destroy Iraqs military capabilities. Iraqs military supremacy in the Middle East was lost as a result.

Part F: Impact of the conflict 3. Political Impact Kurdish uprising in Iraq against Saddam Hussein. Thousands of Kurds were massacred as a result as the coalition was reluctant to intervene in their support. Peace keepers were eventually sent to northern Iraq to provide safe areas for the Kurds. Political instability in Iraq as a result.

Part F: Impact of the conflict 4. Social Impact Kuwaiti civilians were killed and tortured by the Iraqi invaders. Many were forced to abandon their homes. Coalition bombings destroyed Iraqi homes and infrastructures. Disruptions in power and water supply affected the lives of the Iraqi people. Displacement of over 2 million foreign workers who fled the country when war broke out. Meant a loss of income for them and their families.

Part F: Impact of the conflict 5. Environmental impact Iraqi forces set fire to Kuwaiti oil wells and dumped about 11 million barrels of oil into the Persian Gulf. Oil slicks destroyed large numbers of marine life.
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UN role in the Iraq-Kuwait conflict.

Part A: Reasons for successful UN involvement. 1. Support from the five permanent members of the Security Council to use force. All members had vested interests in ensuring stability in the Middle East to safeguard oil supplies. Significance: UN involvement gave the war legitimacy which it might not have if the USA had decided to attack on its own accord.

Concluding remarks: the conflict is an example of how a bilateral dispute impacted the larger global community. (rise in oil prices) This explained why many countries supported the coalition attack on as their interests were at stake.
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Transnational Terrorism
The unlawful use of force or indiscriminate violence by internationally linked groups against persons and properties in different parts of the world. Transnational terrorist groups usually have an international membership. Aim to bring about a regional or global political change.
Terrorism is not a new phenomenon. However, until recently, the scale and impact has largely been limited or localised. Eg. North Korean agents planted a bomb on a South Korean airline in 1987. (other eg. See TB page 30)
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Sept 11 attacks signalled a turning point in terrorists attacks. Showed that terrorists were well-trained, could coordinate their actions and carry out indiscriminate attacks on civilians. (citizens from over 30 countries died in the attacks) Investigations revealed that the attacks were carried out by a transnational terrorist organisation known as Al-Qaeda.
Al-Qaeda Seeks to rid Muslim countries of what it views as western influence specifically the US. Establish a global Islamic caliphate based on extremist misinterpretations of Islamic concepts. Achieve its aims through the use of acts of terror against the US and its allies.
Has a multi-national membership scattered globally. Makes use of the internet and international banking to fund and carry out its attacks. In response to the Sept 11 attacks, USA declared a global war on terror. US forces entered Afghanistan in October 2001. They attacked the Taleban government who were accused of harbouring Osama bin Laden and AlQaeda terrorists.
Despite attacks on its base of operations and training camps, Al-Qaeda has proved itself capable of carrying out attacks. It shares its expertise, transfers resources with other like-minded terrorists groups globally. Its effectiveness lies in the deliberate and effective spread of its ideology, which is based on the misuse and misinterpretation of religious concepts.
In essence, it falsely claims that Islam sanctions and requires Muslims to undertake violence against the West and its allies, which also includes killing civilians. This ideology is rejected by Muslims and Islam. In the wake of the Sept 11 attacks, more than 120 Muslim organisations in Singapore issued a joint public statement to condemn the misuse of Islam for terrorism.
However, threat from transnational terrorists
remain real Bali bombings 2002 Jakarta bombings of Marriott and Ritz Carltons Hotel 2009; Mumbai attacks 2010) At the commemoration of the 10th Anniversary of the Bali bombings, there was an increased security presence in 2012, showing that the threat of terrorism remains real.
Bali Bombings 2002
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1. Economic Impact Damage during Sept 11 attacks cost insurance companies an estimated US$ 40 billion. Airline industry was heavily affected as many feared flying. Loss in tourism revenue (aftermath of Bali bombings) Increased government spending to enhance security. (less revenue for other infrastructure developments, drain on resources)
2. Social Impact Terrorist acts may result in increased tension and suspicion between racial and religious groups. This may affect the harmony of the nation. Singapore governments response was the creation of the Community Engagement Programme (CEP) in 2006.
CEP aims to bring together Singaporeans from different communities, to strengthen inter-communal bonds, and to put in place response plans to help deal with potential communal tensions after an incident.
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3. Political Impact Security efforts to counter terrorism (tightened border controls) have resulted in increased inconveniences for travellers. Some post-Sept 11 measures in the USA under Homeland Security Act have infringed on individuals privacy and personal freedoms.
Such actions may cause resentment among certain sectors of the electorate and may affect political partys standing in future elections.
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Managing Transnational Terrorism

ASEANs efforts Member nations have pledged to cooperate against
transnational terrorists through joint police and intelligence measures. ASEAN Regional Forum has been used as a platform to discuss transnational terrorism issues. E.g. Philippine authorities arrested JI bomb maker Fathur Rohman Al Ghozi based on information provided to them by Singapore. A peace agreement has also been achieved between the Philippines government and the Moro Liberation Front (previously considered as a terrorist group)

January 2007: Convention on Counterterrorism was signed by ASEAN leaders in Cebu. First legally binding anti-terrorism accord, committed the national security and law enforcement agencies of ASEAN nations to work closely to fight terrorism.
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International cooperation UN passed a series of resolutions to stop terrorism. Aimed at getting member nations to freeze the financial assets of terrorists and their supporters among others. A Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) was set up to monitor member countries adherence to the resolutions and to strengthen counter terrorism capacity of UN member states.

Such measures have met with some successes. More than US $200million in terrorist funds have been frozen. More than 4 000 terrorist suspects arrested. However, terrorists continue to be able to evade security measures and recruit new members. Hence such efforts must continue.

Need to nurture an environment that rejects acts of terror and the ideas that they espouse. Can be done through education and taking an unequivocal stand against terrorism.
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Conclusion
Increased inter-connectivity and globalisation has made it increasingly harder to manage terrorism. Therefore, it is crucial for countries to cooperate in their efforts to counter terrorism. Terrorism has no specific religion, ethnicity, nationality. Hence any attempt to associate terrorism to a single race or religion would only spell discord among communities. Terrorists distort religious teachings for their advantage as all religions advocate peace and harmony. It is crucial that society continues to play its part to counter radical and extremist influences put forth by terrorists.
Past Year Questions

a) How far do you agree that the main reason for Al-Qaedas continued ability to resist attempts to crush it has been the links it has with other terrorist groups? Explain your answer. [12m] b) Which is the greater threat posed to the world by transnational terrorism its economic impact or its social impact? Explain your answer. [13m] (Nov 2009)
Past Year Questions

a) How far was the issue of oil production responsible for the worsening relationship between Iraq and Kuwait? Explain your answer. [12m] b) Here are the three results of Operation Desert Storm (the Coalition operation to retake Kuwait): - Destruction of Iraqi military forces - Political instability in Iraq - Environmental damage Was any one of these more significant than the others? Explain your answer. [13m] (Nov 2008)

SS Iraq Kuwait Transnational Terrorism 2013

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Social Studies

Chapter 1: Managing Peace and Security: Regional and International Conflict

Theme: Managing International Relations (DC 2013)

Why do conflicts occur?

Case Study: Diaoyu / Senkaku Islands

Case Study: Diaoyu / Senkaku Islands

Theme: Managing International Relations (DC 2013)

Case Study: Diaoyu / Senkaku Islands

Theme: Managing International Relations (DC 2013)

Case Study: Diaoyu / Senkaku Islands

Case Study: Diaoyu / Senkaku Islands

Theme: Managing International Relations (DC 2013)

Case Study: Diaoyu / Senkaku Islands

Theme: Managing International Relations (DC 2013)

Put on your thinking caps

The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait was inevitable. Do you agree?

Theme: Managing International Relations (DC 2013)

Theme: Managing International Relations (DC 2013)

Aerial View of Kuwait City

Theme: Managing International Relations (DC 2013)

Theme: Managing International Relations (DC 2013)

Theme: Managing International Relations (DC 2013)

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Theme: Managing International Relations (DC 2013)

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Theme: Managing International Relations (DC 2013)

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Theme: Managing International Relations (DC 2013)

Tomahawk Cruise Missile

Theme: Managing International Relations (DC 2013)

US planes flying over burning oil wells

Theme: Managing International Relations (DC 2013)

Was the use of force absolutely necessary?

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Case Study: Iraq-Kuwait Conflict