Conflict in the Middle East · Term 4

The Six-Day War (1967)

Study the causes, course, and immediate territorial and political consequences of the 1967 Six-Day War.

About This Topic

The Persian Gulf Wars examine the two major conflicts involving Iraq and a US-led coalition: the 1991 liberation of Kuwait and the 2003 invasion of Iraq. This topic covers the shift from the Cold War order to a 'New World Order' and the controversial doctrine of 'pre-emptive strike.' Students investigate the motivations of Saddam Hussein, the role of the UN, and the impact of these wars on regional and global security.

In the Year 12 Modern History curriculum, these wars are a vital study of international law and the use of military power in the 21st century. It aligns with ACARA's focus on the Middle East and the role of non-state actors. Students analyze the different justifications for each war, from defending international borders in 1991 to the search for 'Weapons of Mass Destruction' in 2003, and the long-term consequences for Iraq and the wider region.

This topic comes alive when students can physically model the debates over international law and the 'just war' theory through a collaborative mock trial.

Active Learning Ideas

Formal Debate: 1991 vs. 2003

Divide the class to debate the legitimacy of the two wars. One side argues that the 1991 war was a clear case of defending international law, while the other defends or critiques the 2003 invasion based on the 'Bush Doctrine' of pre-emption.

⏱ 60 min·Whole Class

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Inquiry Circle: The 'WMD' Intelligence

Groups are given excerpts from the 2003 intelligence reports and the subsequent 'Chilcot' or 'Flood' reports. They must identify the failures in the intelligence process and discuss how this impacted the public's trust in government and the media.

⏱ 50 min·Small Groups

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Gallery Walk: The Human Cost of Conflict

Display images and data on the impact of the wars on Iraqi civilians, the rise of sectarian violence, and the displacement of millions. Students move in pairs to record the long-term social and economic consequences of the 'regime change' policy.

⏱ 40 min·Pairs

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The 2003 war was a quick and easy victory.

What to Teach Instead

While the initial invasion was fast, the subsequent occupation led to a long and bloody insurgency and civil war. Peer discussion of the 'de-Ba'athification' policy helps students understand why the post-war planning failed so disastrously.

Common Misconception

Saddam Hussein was involved in the 9/11 attacks.

What to Teach Instead

There was no evidence linking Saddam to 9/11, though the US government often linked the two in its rhetoric. A collaborative investigation into the 'War on Terror' narrative helps students see how different threats were conflated to build public support for the invasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Iraq invade Kuwait in 1990?

Saddam Hussein claimed that Kuwait was historically part of Iraq and accused it of 'slant-drilling' Iraqi oil and overproducing to keep prices low. He also hoped to cancel the massive debts Iraq owed Kuwait after the Iran-Iraq War.

What was the 'Bush Doctrine'?

The Bush Doctrine was the policy of 'pre-emptive strike,' which argued that the US had the right to attack a country that posed a potential future threat, even if it had not yet committed an act of aggression. This was the primary justification for the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

How did the 2003 war lead to the rise of ISIS?

The dismantling of the Iraqi state and military created a power vacuum and fueled sectarian resentment. Many former Iraqi soldiers joined insurgent groups, which eventually evolved into the Islamic State (ISIS), taking advantage of the chaos in both Iraq and Syria.

How can active learning help students understand the Gulf Wars?

Active learning strategies like 'analyzing wartime media' help students understand how information is used to shape public opinion. By comparing news coverage from different countries or different time periods, students can identify bias and the use of 'talking points.' This critical thinking is essential for understanding the complex political landscape of the modern Middle East.

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