Learning Activity

The Bush administration is considering having a U.N.-sponsored multinational force in Iraq that would be still under U.S. military control. Investigate the issues surrounding a possible U.N.-sponsored multinational force in Iraq.

Direct student groups to online resources to learn about the diplomatic process that took place between the U.S. and the U.N. that led up to the start of the U.S.-led war in Iraq. Have students identify why the U.S.-led military operation in Iraq was a significant moment in U.S. diplomatic history. After groups share their findings, refer them to the links below to investigate the pros and cons of a U.N.-sponsored, U.S.-led multinational force in Iraq, for both the U.S. and U.N. member nations. Pose the following questions to guide students' research:

1. Why is the U.S. expressing interest in developing a new U.N. Security Council resolution at this point in time?

2. What is U.N. Resolution 1483? Do you think it offers sufficient authority for countries to contribute troops? Why or why not?

3. Why might some U.N. member nations be reluctant to send troops to Iraq?

Have groups present their information to the class. Then ask students: What key obstacles and risks does the U.S. face in terms of getting the U.N. Security Council's support for sending troops to Iraq? Do you think last week's attack on the U.N. headquarters in Baghdad will impact the Security Council's decision to support a resolution to send security troops to Iraq? Why or why not? In your opinion, does the U.S. need to have military control of Iraq for the mission to be successful? State your rationale.

Correlated Standards

National Council for the Social Studies Standards

Standard VI: Power, Authority and Governance

• Students will develop an understanding of how groups and nations attempt to resolve conflicts and seek to establish order and security.

Standard X: Global Connections

• Students will develop an understanding of tensions between national interests and global priorities.

The Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (http://www.socialstudies.org/standards/) are published by the National Council for Social Studies (http://ncss.org/).

Related Links

U.S. considers U.N.-backed force for Iraq (http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/08/28/sprj.irq.us.iraq/index.html)

Iraq bombing could mean more troops (http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/08/21/sprj.irq.diplomacy/index.html)

CNN.com Special: The New Iraq (http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2003/new.iraq/)

U.N. Security Council (http://www.un.org/Docs/sc/)

Keywords

Bush administration, U.N. Security Council, resolution, postwar Iraq, internationalizing