Iraq

Hostility between the United States and Iraq intensified in the autumn of 1997 in a showdown over arms inspections.

The standoff began October 29 when Iraq announced it would expel U.S. weapons inspectors working for the United Nations.

On November 13, Iraq kicked out six Americans. The United Nations protested by withdrawing its remaining 68 inspectors. The Iraqi action was condemned by the U.N. Security Council. The United States held out the possibility of a military strike in retaliation.

A week later, Iraqi President Saddam Hussein agreed to allow U.S. arms inspectors back into the country. Iraq said it had decided to reverse its ban on the Americans after assurances by Russia that it would work toward lifting U.N. economic sanctions.

Iraq must destroy all of its nuclear, chemical, biological and ballistic weapons before sanctions imposed after Iraq's 1990 invasion of Kuwait can be lifted.

Land and People | History |
| Financial | Weather

DEMOGRAPHICS

Population:
22,219,289
Average life span:
66 male, 69 female
Average income ($US):
$1,800
GDP per capita ($US):
$2,000
Literacy rate:
60%

THE LAND AND ITS PEOPLE

Capital:
Baghdad
Size:
169,235 square miles (438,317 square km)
(Slightly larger than California)
Government type:
Republic
Political leaders:
President and Prime Minister Saddam Hussein
Religions:
Islam (60-65% Shiite, 32-37% Sunni), Christian and other (3%)
Languages:
Arabic, Kurdish

HISTORY

FINANCIAL

Monetary unit:
Dinar

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CNN WEATHER INFORMATION

Forecasts:
--Baghdad
--Basra
Forecast and satellite maps
--Africa forecast map (includes Iraq)
--Middle East satellite image: