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  Iraq briefing
Updated 10 September 2002, 15.21
Soldier in Operation Desert Storm

Citizenship 11-14/KS3/Levels E&F
Conflict resolution

Research history of, and recent events in, Iraq.

Produce briefing document for a journalist who is set to report on Iraq.

Learning aims

  • Case study of a conflict scenario and the Gulf War as an example of armed UN intervention

  • Use imagination to express and explain views
Map of Iraq


Display a map of the area surrounding Iraq.

Ask the class for what they already know about this area.

Quick quiz on Iraq.
Correct answers are in bold

[1] What is the capital of Iraq?

  • A: Bahrain
  • B: Baghdad
  • C: Badrahad

    [2] When was the last war with Iraq?

  • A: 1991
  • B: 1981
  • C: 1971

    [3] Why did the last war start?

  • A: Saddam invaded Qatar
  • B: Saddam invaded Kuwait
  • C: Saddam Invaded Yemen

    [4] Where does most of the oil that Iraq produces end up?

  • A: USA
  • B: Jordan
  • C: France

    [5] What sort of leader is Saddam?

  • A: Democrat
  • B: Dictator
  • C: Diplomat

    [6] The last war with Iraq was backed by the:

  • A: United Nations
  • B: United States
  • C: United Kingdom
  • D: All of the above

    [7] Saddam has been running Iraq since:

  • A: 1969
  • B: 1979
  • C: 1989

    [8] In 1980 Iraq invaded its neighbour Iran. The war went on for eight years, how many people died?

  • A: 400,000
  • B: 100,000
  • C: 40,000

    [9] In 1988 Saddam bombed his Kurdish enemies in the Iraqi city of Halabja. What did he use?

  • A: Nerve gas
  • B: Mustard gas
  • C: Both

    [10] Which country supplied weapons or military equipment to Saddam during his war against Iraq?

  • A: UK
  • B: USA
  • C: France
  • D: All three

    Main activity
    Print off the guide to Iraq and a selection of stories from the top right.

    Students prepare a briefing for a journalist due to start reporting from Iraq.

    Their briefings should contain:

    • A clear summary of the present situation

    • A brief history of relations between the countries involved

    • Why Iraq matters to the UK

    • A list of the key dates - perhaps as a timeline

    • A list of the main politicians involved
    Extension activity
    Produce a leaflet that is addressed to the population of one of the countries involved.

    The aims of the leaflet are:

    • To calm the situation

    • To point out the possible dangers and consequences

    • To offer ideas on sorting out the problems

    Recap on the main learning aims and discuss the issues involved when trying to understand other people's experiences.

    Teachers' Background

    • The US and Britain are patrolling two so-called "no-fly zones" over northern and southern Iraq.

    • President Bush named Iraq as part of an "axis of evil" together with North Korea and Iran.


    • For the past 12 years, the country has been struggling under UN-imposed sanctions.

    • In a population of 23 million, many are desperately poor and at least half of the adult males are unemployed.

    For all links and resources click at top right.

  • More InfoBORDER=0
    WorldLeyla's story of fleeing Iraq
    PicturesPictures: Our last war with Iraq
    Find OutGuide to Iraq
    ChatKids chat about this


    Past StoriesBORDER=0
    Kids say "no" to war
    Blair and Bush set for talks about Iraq
    US and UK bomb Iraqi air base


    BBC Links
    BBC News: Inside Iraq - in pictures
    BBC News: Iraq - key maps
    BBC News: UN resolutions on Iraq



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