As a field expert with a deep understanding of historical conflicts, I can provide a comprehensive analysis of the factors that led to the war with Iraq. The conflict in question, commonly referred to as the Iran-Iraq War, which began in 1980 and lasted until 1988, was a complex and multifaceted event with several contributing factors. It is important to note that the war was not a singular event with a single cause but rather a culmination of various political, economic, and regional tensions.
Step 1: English Answer
The war with Iraq, more accurately known as the Iran-Iraq War, was a protracted conflict that involved various elements that contributed to its outbreak. Here are some key factors that played a role in starting the war:

1. Regional Ambitions and Power Struggles: Both Iran and Iraq had aspirations to become the dominant power in the Persian Gulf region. This competition for regional supremacy was a significant underlying cause of the conflict.

2. Border Disputes: The border between Iran and Iraq, particularly the Shatt al-Arab waterway, had been a source of contention for decades. This waterway was of strategic and economic importance to both nations, and disagreements over control and sovereignty were a major point of conflict.

3. Religious and Ethnic Tensions: The two countries had different religious and ethnic compositions. Iran was predominantly Shia Muslim, while Iraq was ruled by a Sunni Muslim minority under Saddam Hussein. This religious divide added to the tensions between the two nations.

4. Revolutionary Iran: The Iranian Revolution of 1979, which overthrew the Shah and led to the establishment of an Islamic Republic, had a profound impact on the region. The new Iranian government sought to export its revolutionary ideology, which was seen as a threat by Iraq and other conservative Arab states.

5. Saddam Hussein's Dictatorial Regime: Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq was characterized by its aggressive foreign policy and desire for regional dominance. The decision to invade Iran in September 1980 was a strategic move to capitalize on what Iraq perceived as Iran's moment of weakness following the revolution.

6. International Relations and Alliances: The international community's response to the Iranian Revolution and the subsequent alignment of various countries with either Iran or Iraq played a role in the escalation of the conflict. For example, many Western countries were more inclined to support Iraq due to their shared opposition to Iran's revolutionary government.
7.
Economic Factors: The economic interests of both countries, particularly their reliance on oil exports, were significant. The Shatt al-Arab waterway was a vital route for oil shipments, and control over this resource was a key economic incentive for the war.
8.
Use of Force: The war was marked by the use of force, including Saddam Hussein's indiscriminate ballistic missile attacks, extensive use of chemical weapons, and attacks on third-country oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. These aggressive tactics were a clear indication of the severity of the conflict.
9.
Proxy Wars and Regional Conflicts: The Iran-Iraq War also had elements of a proxy war, with both sides receiving support from various international actors. This external support further fueled the conflict and prolonged its duration.
10.
Failure of Diplomatic Solutions: Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict were largely unsuccessful, which allowed the war to continue for eight years. The lack of a diplomatic resolution was partly due to the intransigence of both sides and the complex nature of the issues at stake.
In summary, the war with Iraq was a result of a combination of factors, including regional ambitions, border disputes, religious and ethnic tensions, the impact of the Iranian Revolution, Saddam Hussein's aggressive regime, international relations, economic interests, the use of force, proxy wars, and the failure of diplomatic solutions. The conflict was a devastating event that had lasting effects on both countries and the broader Middle East region.

**read more >>

Started by Iraq dictator Saddam Hussein in September 1980, the war was marked by indiscriminate ballistic-missile attacks, extensive use of chemical weapons and attacks on third-country oil tankers in the Persian Gulf.read more >>