The United States led coalition invaded Iraq in March, 2003 and removed Saddam Hussein from power. In the three years that have followed much has changed for the Iraqi people. Gains such as free elections have been countered by losses such as on-going insurgency that has resulted in many casualties. To gain a visual sense of the impact of this war, students will look at maps that note key changes in infrastructure and resources.

• Students will identify changes wrought by the current upheaval.
• Students will make assessments about the value of choices being made in Iraq.

1. Discuss the current situation in Iraq. Ask students what effect five years of conflict may have had on the country.
2. Direct the students towards both the 2004 Iraq Map (Figure 3) from Maps In The News: Iraq and this link from BBC News World that has the updated map.
3. Have students complete Student Sheet for this activity.
4. Have students share their results and ask why some aspects of Iraqi life have been more affected than others have.

Time Allocation: One class period

Variation on this Activity: Students may work in pairs or in small groups

Special Resources for this Activity

• Use the 2004 Iraq country map 2004 Iraq map (Figure 3) from Maps In The News: Iraq
• BBC Map link: BBC News World
• To gain a more in-depth understanding of the current situation, see Maps In The News: Iraq: Articles on History and Current Situation.

Assessment criteria

• Students noted aspects of change and continuity.
• Students saw impact of war on key aspects of infrastructure

You will be learning about one of the Middle Eastern countries in great depth. Central to this project is understanding what will best serve the needs of your nation.

1. Your teacher will provide access to a map of Iraq before the current conflict began in 2003.
2. You will then look at an interactive map at the BBC website. The map is located at
   news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/spl/hi/middle_east/02/iraq_navigator/html/default.stm
3. This map contains a number of different components of the Iraqi landscape. These components include:
   • Suspected Weapon Sites
   • Dissident Areas
   • Air Defense Command
   • Oil Refineries
   • Oil Fields
   • Oil Pipelines
   • Airports
   • Airfields
   • Roads
   • Major Army Bases
4. Select four of these components and find them on the 2003 map. Then look at the website and see what has happened to them in the last three years. What changes can you observe?
5. What are the broader political and economic implications of damage to transportation and oil facilities?
6. Has the presence of the United States and other coalition forces improved the situation in Iraq? Use the maps to defend your response.