Conflict and tension in the Gulf and Afghanistan, 1990-2009

    AQA
    GCSE

    This wider world depth study examines the complex geopolitical shifts in the Middle East from the end of the Cold War through the 'War on Terror'. Candidates must analyse the causes and consequences of Western intervention, moving from the multilateral UN-sanctioned liberation of Kuwait (1990-1991) to the unilateral and contested invasion of Iraq (2003). Critical focus is required on the rise of non-state actors (Al-Qaeda), the failure of diplomacy (UNSCOM/UNMOVIC), and the difficulties of post-conflict reconstruction in Afghanistan and Iraq. Responses must demonstrate understanding of how the unresolved issues of the First Gulf War catalysed the conflicts of the early 21st century.

    0
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    What You Need to Demonstrate

    Key skills and knowledge for this topic

    • Award marks for precise contextual knowledge, such as specific UN Resolutions (e.g., 660, 1441) or military operations.
    • Credit responses that evaluate source utility by explicitly linking provenance (Nature, Origin, Purpose) to the specific enquiry.
    • In 'Write an account' questions, candidates must demonstrate chronological sequencing and causal links between events.
    • High-level essays must provide a sustained judgment, weighing factors such as the role of individuals versus international organizations.

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have identified the content of the source; now evaluate how its origin impacts its reliability."
    • "Use specific dates and terminology (e.g., 'Coalition', 'Scud Missiles') to evidence your explanation."
    • "Ensure your judgment in the final question is consistent with the arguments presented in your main body."
    • "Link the consequences directly back to the cause in your narrative account to show analytical depth."

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award marks for precise contextual knowledge, such as specific UN Resolutions (e.g., 660, 1441) or military operations.
    • Credit responses that evaluate source utility by explicitly linking provenance (Nature, Origin, Purpose) to the specific enquiry.
    • In 'Write an account' questions, candidates must demonstrate chronological sequencing and causal links between events.
    • High-level essays must provide a sustained judgment, weighing factors such as the role of individuals versus international organizations.

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡Allocate strictly 5 minutes for the 4-mark source inference question to save time for the essay.
    • 💡For 'How useful' questions, apply the NOP (Nature, Origin, Purpose) test specifically to what the source tells us about the topic.
    • 💡In the 'Write an account' question, use connective vocabulary like 'consequently', 'as a result', and 'this led to' to secure Level 4 marks.
    • 💡Plan the 16-mark essay with a clear 'For' and 'Against' structure before concluding with a substantiated judgment.

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Conflating the 1991 Gulf War (Liberation of Kuwait) with the 2003 Invasion of Iraq (WMDs).
    • Dismissing sources as 'useless' solely due to bias without explaining how that bias reveals the author's perspective.
    • Providing a narrative description of events in the 16-mark question rather than an analytical argument.
    • Failing to link the two stages of the narrative in 'Write an account' questions (e.g., how the invasion led to the response).

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

    How questions on this topic are typically asked

    How do you know
    How useful
    Write an account
    How far do you agree
    Explain
    Evaluate

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