Regional Countries’ Attitude Towards Economic Sanctions Imposed on Iraq (1990-2003)

Abstract

This study focuses on the attitude of regional and neighboring countries of Iraq (i.e., Iran, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait) towards economic sanctions against Iraq from 1990 to 2003. The attitude of these countries throughout this period of time has been known to be unstable; the economic sanctions changes and the stages of these sanctions have played a role in determining the attitudes. This is clearly seen in the attitude of these countries before and after the implementation of the 1995 oil-for-food program. For this purpose, based on historical and analytical research methods, the study aims at presenting the attitude of these countries at this stage, the effects of UN decisions changing, and economic sanctions on this attitude. The study concluded that Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait and Syria insisted on subjugating the Iraqi rulers and reducing their regional role and impact on the region by complying with the decisions on economic sanctions, meanwhile Jordan was significantly affected due to this sanction. Moreover, the year 1995 also played a strong role in the restoration of Iraqi diplomatic relations with each of these neighbouring countries.