Was the concern of Reagan/Bush really oil or was the concern really, fomented by the Israel lobby, that a strong Iraq could pose some kind of threat to Israel. See Osirak, 1981.
You may think this question is sarcasm in light of my relatively critical comment below but I am sincere: I am very interested in learning more about historians' methods and analysis (e.g., "each document must be weighted in just the way professional historians typically proceed.") Can you recommend any books or perhaps introductory classes that I might access in order to begin to educate myself better? I'm not sure that graduate school is a realistic possibility for me. Thank you.
Do you think that Saddam intended to retain control over all of Kuwait? I don't. If you enter a conflict, it is sometimes better to vanquish the opponent in order to be in a better position to negotiate the peace. There is evidence that was Saddam's plan: note the Russian offer for a brokered solution, which was ignored by the United States.
Another thing I learned and was surprised by in these cables was the implication that the United States was already applying heavy trade sanctions against Iraq even before the 1991 invasion of Kuwait.
I agree with these sentiments regarding Juan. He seems to reflexively demonize Muslim leaders or Muslim groups that are nationalistic or otherwise promote group identities.
Was the concern of Reagan/Bush really oil or was the concern really, fomented by the Israel lobby, that a strong Iraq could pose some kind of threat to Israel. See Osirak, 1981.
Professor Cole,
You may think this question is sarcasm in light of my relatively critical comment below but I am sincere: I am very interested in learning more about historians' methods and analysis (e.g., "each document must be weighted in just the way professional historians typically proceed.") Can you recommend any books or perhaps introductory classes that I might access in order to begin to educate myself better? I'm not sure that graduate school is a realistic possibility for me. Thank you.
Richard,
Do you think that Saddam intended to retain control over all of Kuwait? I don't. If you enter a conflict, it is sometimes better to vanquish the opponent in order to be in a better position to negotiate the peace. There is evidence that was Saddam's plan: note the Russian offer for a brokered solution, which was ignored by the United States.
Another thing I learned and was surprised by in these cables was the implication that the United States was already applying heavy trade sanctions against Iraq even before the 1991 invasion of Kuwait.
I agree with these sentiments regarding Juan. He seems to reflexively demonize Muslim leaders or Muslim groups that are nationalistic or otherwise promote group identities.
Excellent post, except for a few things.
1. "All of this would justify his actions for the invasion that would follow."
Who are you referring to by "his"?
2. More importantly: "She replies, you have some friends in some parts of American government. Don’t risk it all by doing something stupid."
I don't see a basis in the cable for these inferences or for linking these two ideas. What's your basis?