Historical Conflict
On August 2, 1990 Iraq invaded Kuwait, sparking the international conflict known as the Persian Gulf War. Saddam Hussein lead the invasion with an eye to acquire the nation’s largest oil reserve. However, Hussein also sought to expand Iraq’s region of power. This would mark the first international crisis since the end of the Cold War. The Persian Gulf War “would set important precedents for the use of military force over subsequent decades.”
Operation Desert Shield
After invading Kuwait, it was believed Iraqi troops would move to enter Saudi Arabia next. If successful, this would lead to Iraq and Hussein gaining “control of more than 40 percent of the world’s oil reserves as well as two of the holiest sites in the Islamic world, Mecca and Medina.” Due to the continued progress of Iraqi troops, the rest of the world responded. Operation Desert Shield sent troops to assist and put in place plans for future assistance. Although Arabian and Western ground troops were light, this swift action deterred Saddam from attacking Saudi Arabia. Ultimately, it allowed more Western troops to be deployed and aid in protecting Saudi Arabia from invasion. Over 450,000 troops from the United States, United Kingdom, Egypt, France and 25 other countries sent troops to aid in preventing further invasion.
The Persian Gulf War Ends
On October 30, 1990 the Bush administration petitioned the UN for support to use force to remove the Iraqi presence from Kuwait. The UN gave support, allowing Iraq a 45 day grace period to withdraw their troops from Kuwait. When the deadline passed, the US launched an air attack, striking key locations and buildings. Meanwhile, Iraq attacked Israel with missile strikes in retaliation. Israel worked with 34 other countries to launch a land attack which began February 22, 1991. This attack would last four days, liberating Kuwait and bringing the Persian Gulf War to an end on February 28, 1991.
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Image Source: NPR
Sources: Britannica.com and Office of The Historian
