Persian Gulf War August 2, 1990 - February 28, 1991
Began with the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. The UN responded at 1st with economic sanctions. The US along with Saudi Arabia, Great Britian, and Egypt 1st attacked with airstrikes on January 17. This was followed by a ground invasion. The Iraqi forces were quickly pushed out Kuwait and back into Iraq. They then decided on a cease fire. Iraq responded by launching missiles against military positions in Israel and Saudi Arabia.
History of Iraq before the Gulf War
Iraq was allied with the Soviet Union throughout the Cold War though at this time the Soviet Union was not the superpower it once was, and was nearing its close on December 31, 1991. Previous to this the United States actually helped Iraq in the Iraq-Iran war. After this war Iraq owed much of their debt to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia which began to build tension between the countries. At this point the Iraqi Government was nearly bankrupt. They accused Kuwait of lowering the price of oil and essentially stealing oil from Iraq. On July 23rd 30,000 Iraqi troops were moved to the border of Iraq and Kuwait. Iraq blamed Great Britain for creating a boundary between the 2 countries keeping Iraq away from the Gulf. They made accusations claiming them as reasons for war.
When Kuwait was controlled by Iraq and the UN demanded that they pull out all troops unconditinally Iraq still tried to make several propisitions but they were all denied because they didnt want iraq to benefit from their military campgain. They were worried that Iraq would then attack Saudi Arabia as they were now in striking distance. This would give Iraq control over the majority of the worlds oil fields. And the 2 countries had previous conflicts involving a large amount of money donated to Iraq to help them fight in the war in which Saddam Hussien thought he didnt have to pay back. The US iniatiated Operation Desert Shield which was designed specifically to stop that from happening.
Blockades and build up of troops and supplies were quickly built up in all almost 1 million troops from over 30 countries were deployed agaisnt Iraq. as well as other countries contributing money adn supplies in support of the other countries.
The invasion of Iraqi occupied Kuwait began with extensive military bombing. When the UN invaded Iraq, Iraq launched scud missiles at military locations in Saudi Arabia and Isreal. When the Ground invasion began It was a pretty even match between the opposing armies although the UN would eventually push back the Iraqi forces eventually forcing them to retreat back to Iraq. On February 28th President Bush declared that Kuwait was liberated. The invasion of Iraq was swift with heavy losses and injuries on the Iraqis said on the other side their were few losses and injuries. Eventually both sides signed a cease fire. and troops were pulled out of the middle east. They chose to keep Saddam in power and not to overthrow their government which was ultimately a mistake.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_War
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