How Iran Survived the Iraq War Despite America and its Allies Helping Iraq
The Iran-Iraq War remains one of the most significant and complex conflicts of the late 20th century, pitting Iran and Iraq against each other amidst a web of international intrigue and support. This article delves into the reasons behind Iran's resilience and eventual victory in this protracted war, despite the external support for Saddam Hussein from the United States and its allies.
The Iraq-Iran War: An Overview
On September 31, 1980, Saddam Hussein launched a full-scale military invasion of Iran, hoping to isolate the new Islamic government and gain control over oil-rich Khuzestan province. Saddam believed that he could quickly overwhelm Iran and consolidate control over its western border regions within weeks. However, this war ultimately led to internal collapse, regime change, and the destruction of the Iraqi army.
The Role of External Support During the War
Although Saddam Hussein had the support of major world powers such as the Soviet Union, the United States, and European nations, these countries provided aid to both sides depending on their interests. In particular, the United States was involved in the Iran-Iran Contra affair, providing arms to Iran through Israel to fund the Contras in Nicaragua. Some key points regarding the relevance of the Iran-Iran Contra affair include:
1. The Iran-Iran Contra Affair
The Iran-Iran Contra affair was a notorious political scandal that unfolded during the Reagan administration. Between 1981 and 1986, senior U.S. officials covertly facilitated the sale of arms to Iran, despite an arms embargo. The U.S. government hoped to use the proceeds to fund the Contras in Nicaragua. However, this policy was heavily criticized and resulted in the resignation of several high-ranking officials.
2. Iranian Defense Through People and Armed Forces
Beyond the external support, Iran's survival during the war can be attributed to the well-organized efforts of its people and armed forces. Key factors in Iran's success include:
Imam Khomeini's Role
Imam Ruhollah Khomeini, the spiritual and political leader of Iran, played a decisive role in maintaining morale and unifying the country. His wisdom and leadership were instrumental in ensuring that the Iranian people were well-prepared and motivated to defend their new Islamic Republic. On September 31, 1980, Imam Khomeini emphasized the importance of resistance and unity, stating that the war was necessary and vital for the survival of the nation.
Active Defense Forces and Basij Volunteers
Iran's armed forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and regular army, played an essential role in countering the Iraqi invasion. Basij volunteers, a paramilitary force consisting of active and retired members of the armed forces, and civilians in the border regions, also provided critical support. These groups were present and active in the defense lines, making it difficult for the Iraqi forces to achieve their objectives in the early weeks of the war.
Unified Command and Strategic Creativity
Initially, Iran's war fronts did not have a unified command structure. However, as the war progressed, the management of these fronts became more organized, especially from the second year of the war. The coordination between the IRGC and the regular army allowed the commanders on the fronts to take initiative and adopt measures to expel the Iraqi forces from Iran. The creativity and strategic acumen of these commanders were crucial in the overall success of Iran's military operations.
Conclusion
In the Iran-Iraq War, Iran's resilience and eventual victory were the result of a combination of internal motivation and organized external support. While the United States and its allies provided covert support to Iran, it was ultimately the effective leadership and the united efforts of the Iranian people and armed forces that led to the downfall of Saddam Hussein and the Iraqi army. This war not only reshaped the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East but also showcased the resilience and strategic acumen of the Iranian nation.