In September 1980, Iraq invaded Iran due to a territorial dispute. This led to a long war that cost many lives and billions of dollars in damage, with neither side being able to claim victory. This article will focus on the three things that distinguish this war from previous wars. First, it was an overly prolonged and exhausting eight-year war that essentially destabilized the region and devastated both countries. Secondly, it was a war disproportionate to the means employed by both sides. Iraq was supported by Kuwait, the United States, and many other Western European countries, allowing them to acquire advanced weapons and expert training (History.com staff, 2009). Finally, this war used three modes of warfare not seen in previous wars: ballistic missile attacks, use of chemical weapons, and attacks on oil tankers in the Persian Gulf (History.com staff, 2009). The Protracted Iraq-Iran War The war lasted eight years, longer than both world wars. Due to Iraq's central location and limited access to the gulf, Iraq was forced to cross other countries' territory to pipe its oil, making its oil fields extremely vulnerable (Iran-Iraq War Documentary, 2013). Iraq was determined to assert itself by neutralizing its closest rival, Iran. Oil and territory were their main objective. Iraq's plan was to invade Iran in several areas including Bakhtaran, Dezful, Ahvaz, Khorramshahr, and Abadan (Hiro, 1989). These areas extend from north to south. Iraq's strategic plan was to protect its northern oil fields; cut off a vital road to Tehran; cutting communications between northern and southern Iran; gain control of strategic oil fields in the Arabian Peninsula (Hiro, 1989). Iraqi forces moved here... middle of paper... Iraq pressured him to agree to a ceasefire. After eight years of fighting and millions of victims, the borders have remained unchanged. Works Cited Hardy, R. (2001, September 22). The Iran-Iraq War: 25 Years Later. BBC News. Retrieved from http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/4260420.stmHiro, D. (1989). The longest war: the Iran-Iraq military conflict. London, England: Psychology Press.History.com staff. (2009). Iraq-Iran War. Retrieved from http://www.history.com/topics/iran-iraq-warIran-Iraq War. (2013). Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th edition, 1.Perrimond, G. (1999, April 14). The Threat of Theater Ballistic Missiles. TTU Europe, DOI: TTU EuropeSheridan, C. (Writer) (1995). The war between Iran and Iraq [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDHwvmZXyroWillet, E. (2004). The Iraq-Iran war. New York, NY: The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.