What was one major cause of the Second Gulf War?A. U.S.leaders believed Iraq was hiding nuclear weapons.B. The U.S. allowed banks to give out loans to people who could not afford them.C. U.S. leaders believed members of al-Qaeda were hiding in Afghanistan.D. The U.S. elected Barack Obama as president.

One major cause of the Second Gulf War was the U.S. leaders' belief that Iraq was hiding nuclear weapons. After the 9/11 attacks, the Bush administration claimed that Saddam Hussein was stockpiling weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), raising alarms internationally. This claim was a pivotal factor in garnering support for the invasion in 2003, despite subsequent findings that no such weapons existed. Another significant element was the broader context of regime change. The U.S. aimed to overthrow Saddam Hussein's authoritarian regime, which was seen as a threat to stability in the Middle East. This invasion was part of a larger strategy to promote democratic ideals in the region, although the consequences of this intervention sparked intense debates regarding its effectiveness and lasting impact.