THE GULF WAR

🗺️ Background

The Gulf War was a conflict that took place from 1990 to 1991, primarily involving Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, and a coalition of 35 nations led by the United States, under President George H. W. Bush.

👉 What triggered the war?

  • On August 2, 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait, claiming that Kuwait was stealing Iraqi oil via slant drilling and that it was historically part of Iraq.

  • The invasion was swift, and Iraq annexed Kuwait within days.

  • The international community condemned the invasion. The United Nations demanded Iraq’s withdrawal and imposed economic sanctions.

💣 The War Itself

The war unfolded in two main phases:

1. Operation Desert Shield (Aug 1990 – Jan 1991)

  • A defensive phase where coalition forces, especially the U.S., built up military presence in Saudi Arabia to prevent Iraq from attacking further south.

  • Over 600,000 coalition troops gathered in the region.

2. Operation Desert Storm (Jan 17 – Feb 28, 1991)

  • The actual combat phase.

  • Began with a massive air campaign that lasted over a month, targeting Iraqi infrastructure and military.

  • Followed by a 100-hour ground assault starting Feb 24, which liberated Kuwait and decimated Iraqi forces.

📊 Results

  • Kuwait was liberated.

  • Iraqi forces were driven out, but Saddam Hussein remained in power.

  • Coalition casualties were relatively low (around 300 deaths), but Iraqi military and civilian casualties were high (estimated over 25,000 military and many civilians).

  • Environmental disaster: Iraq set Kuwaiti oil wells on fire and dumped oil into the Persian Gulf.

  • It marked the beginning of a longer U.S. involvement in the Middle East.

📺 Legacy and Impact

  • Showcased modern warfare: smart bombs, stealth aircraft, and real-time news coverage on CNN.

  • Left Iraq weakened but not defeated, setting the stage for the Iraq War in 2003.

  • Strengthened U.S. military and political presence in the Middle East.

  • It also highlighted issues of post-war responsibility—many felt the U.S. should have removed Saddam at that point.