The Iran-Iraq War definitely changed the course of history. This war lasted eight years, from 1980 to 1988. Historically speaking, the outbreak of conflict in 1980 was, in part, just another conflict in the Middle East that had been provoked by the conflicts frontiersmen of the 20th century. However, many observers still believe that Saddam Hussein's ideology of invading Iran was based on his personal motivations1. Saddam Hussein was interested in Iranian oil refineries and wanted more land. In 1979, Iran became a theocracy with the Islamic Revolution led by Ayatollah Khomeini. Khomeini and the Islamic Republic wanted all Muslim countries to be united and have theocracy as the primary form of government.2 The Iran-Iraq War was not a war between two nations but a war between two different and competing ideas of the leaders. 3. Iranian Islamic leader, Ayatollah Khomeini 4. Saddam Hussein, the leader of Iraq1. Potter, L. and Sick, G. (2004). Iran, Iraq and the Legacy of War, page 212. Iranchamber.com, (2014). Historical personalities of Iran: Ayatollah Khomeini3. Saddam Hussien [Photography]. (August 12, 2010).4. Ayatollah Khomeini [Photograph]. (nd).The controversy surrounding the Shatt al-Arab River has formed. This river is divided between Iraq and Iran.5 The Ottoman Empire, when in power, had authority over both sides, although the Iranian side was not really authorized by the Ottomans.6 In Because of Iraq's strength, Saddam claimed the Iranian side of the river. 7 In the 1975 treaty that Iraq negotiated and which ended where it would share the river with Iran.8 In 1980, Saddam Hussein declared this treaty unacceptable before the war.9 In 1979, there had the rise of a Shia republic in Iran and, on a religious level, ...... middle of paper ...... enormous effect, fostering loyalty and dedication to the newly constructed system. Before the war began, Iraq had experienced incredible economic growth, mainly due to the oil industry. Iraq also had a large regional space and security and stability. The war declined the Iraqi economy and Iraq was forced to seek huge loans from Kuwait. The crushing debt to Kuwait led to the fall of Saddam Hussein's rule and the international community removed Saddam Hussein from power in 2003. In conclusion, this war consisted of political, economic and religious theories. The revolution in Iran changed many Iranian views on religion and the composition of government. Saddam Hussein, despite being a Sunni Muslim, never gained the support of his own people since he attacked the Kurds (who were composed of Sunni Muslims) in his own country..