U.S. - IRAQ RELATIONS

Secretary Powell Makes the U.S. Case Against Iraq: Secretary of State Colin Powell presents photos, audio tapes and statements the U.S. says offers "undeniable" evidence that Iraq has defied calls for disarmament and continues to house weapons of mass destruction.
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Iraq and Weapons of Mass Destruction: In accepting the terms of the 1991 Gulf War cease-fire, Iraq's leaders agreed to "destroy or render harmless" all weapons of mass destruction. Iraq's continued refusal to allow unfettered United Nations weapons inspections has made it a challenge to know what weapons Saddam Hussein has at his disposal.
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U.S. Policy on Iraq After the Gulf War: As the Gulf War ended on February 28, 1991, American political and military leaders made the decision not to invade Iraq with the intention of forcing Hussein from power. It was a decision that has sparked numerous debates within the military and diplomatic community and marked the beginning of a relationship that has plagued three U.S. presidents. Many have argued that U.S. military forces should have continued their operations in Iraq, invaded Baghdad and forced Saddam Hussein from power.
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The 1991 Gulf War: During the early morning hours of January 17, 1991, an American-led strike began in the skies over Baghdad that damaged Iraqi air bases, missile sites and chemical and nuclear plants. Hundreds of aircraft from the U.S., Britain and other allies participated in the massive raid on the Iraqi capital. The strike represented the moment that the allies' "Operation Desert Shield" — aimed at protecting other nations from Iraq's alleged aggression — became "Operation Desert Storm", a war with the specific goal of freeing the small emirate of Kuwait from Iraqi forces.
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