Which factor most complicated efforts to establish a stable Iraqi government in 2005
The factor that most complicated efforts to establish a stable Iraqi government in 2005 was sectarian divisions and violence. The country was deeply divided along ethnic and religious lines, with the Shia majority and Sunni minority engaged in a bitter power struggle. This led to a surge in sectarian violence, with sectarian militias and terrorist groups carrying out bombings, assassinations, and other attacks on civilians and government officials. The violence made it difficult to establish a functioning government, as officials were targeted by militants and many citizens feared for their lives. In addition, the presence of US troops and their role in the political process was also a complicating factor.
What difficulties did the US experience in the war on terror
The US experienced several difficulties in the war on terror, including:
1. Insurgencies and guerrilla warfare: Terrorist groups and insurgents in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries used guerrilla tactics, such as roadside bombings and suicide attacks, to disrupt US efforts to establish stable governments and security.
2. Public opposition: Large numbers of people in both the US and around the world opposed the war on terror, with many arguing that it was causing more harm than good, and that the US was violating human rights and international law.
3. Difficulty in identifying and locating terrorists: Terrorist organizations operated in secretive ways, making them difficult to identify and locate.
4. Coordination between agencies: The war on terror involved multiple government agencies with overlapping missions and objectives, creating difficulties in coordination and communication.
5. Legal issues and treatment of detainees: The legality of detaining individuals without trial, as had occurred in Guantanamo Bay, and the use of torture and other harsh interrogation techniques were controversial and raised concerns about the US's adherence to international law and human rights.
6. Cost: The cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan was enormous, totaling trillions of dollars, which put immense strain on the US economy and social programs.
Why did protests start with the Arab spring
The protests of the Arab Spring were sparked by a range of factors, including political repression, economic hardship, corruption, and lack of freedom and human rights. For decades, authoritarian regimes in the Middle East had used repression and violence to stay in power, while inequality and poverty were commonplace. In addition, the rise of social media and other communication technologies made it easier for people to connect and organize protests and other forms of dissent, giving people a platform to voice their frustrations and demand change. The spark for the Arab Spring was the self-immolation of a Tunisian street vendor in December 2010, which led to protests against the government and eventually to the flight of the Tunisian president, inspiring similar uprisings across the region. The protests were not limited to one country or group, but instead represented a broad grassroots movement for democracy, human rights, and a more equal distribution of wealth.
What contributed to the 2008 financial crisis
There were several factors that contributed to the 2008 financial crisis, including:
1. Housing market bubble: A housing market bubble had developed in the United States where housing prices rose rapidly and housing supply could not keep pace. This led to an increase in the number of mortgages given out, including to subprime borrowers who would not have qualified for a mortgage under normal circumstances.
2. Risky lending practices: Many mortgage lenders engaged in risky lending practices, such as lending to borrowers without requiring proof of income and offering adjustable-rate mortgages with low “teaser” interest rates that later adjusted higher, making it difficult for borrowers to keep up with payments.
3. Securitization of mortgages: Banks and other financial institutions bundled mortgages together and sold them as securities to investors. These securities were complex and often difficult to understand, making it difficult to assess their value.
4. Over-leveraging and excessive risk-taking: Financial institutions made large investments and took on significant leverage to increase profitability, often using borrowed funds to amplify their returns. This created a situation where even small losses could significantly damage their financial health.
5. Lack of regulation: Weak regulatory oversight allowed financial institutions to engage in risky practices without adequate safeguards or oversight.
The combination of these factors led to a collapse in the housing market and a wave of mortgage defaults, which in turn caused widespread financial instability and triggered a global economic recession.