Gulf War

Definition

The Gulf War refers to the conflict that occurred from 1990 to 1991, primarily between Iraq and a coalition of 34 nations led by the United States, following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. This war is significant in the context of broadcast media and international communication, as it marked a turning point in how wars were reported and televised, highlighting the role of media in shaping public perception and international relations during military conflicts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Gulf War began on August 2, 1990, when Iraq, led by President Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait, claiming it as part of Iraq.
2. A coalition of countries, including the U.S., UK, France, and several Arab nations, formed in response to the invasion to liberate Kuwait.
3. The conflict saw extensive use of television coverage, with live broadcasts from the battlefield, bringing the realities of war into people's homes for the first time on such a scale.
4. The war was characterized by a large-scale air campaign followed by a swift ground offensive, leading to a decisive victory for coalition forces by February 1991.
5. The aftermath of the Gulf War included long-term consequences for Iraq and the region, including economic sanctions and ongoing tensions that would shape future conflicts.

Review Questions

• How did the Gulf War change the landscape of media coverage during military conflicts?
  • The Gulf War fundamentally transformed media coverage by introducing real-time broadcasting of events happening on the battlefield. This unprecedented access allowed audiences worldwide to witness the conflict as it unfolded, creating what is known as the 'CNN Effect.' The war demonstrated how media could influence public opinion and political decision-making, altering perceptions about war and its implications.
• Discuss the implications of embedded journalism that emerged from the Gulf War for future military reporting.
  • Embedded journalism became a significant practice following the Gulf War, where reporters were attached to military units to provide firsthand accounts of operations. This approach allowed for more intimate and detailed coverage but also raised ethical questions about bias and objectivity. As a result, future conflicts saw an increase in embedded journalists who often had to navigate their roles as both observers and participants in military actions.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Gulf War on international relations in the Middle East and its impact on subsequent conflicts.
  • The Gulf War's aftermath significantly affected international relations in the Middle East, leading to increased tensions between Iraq and Western nations. The imposition of economic sanctions on Iraq created a humanitarian crisis while also fostering resentment toward Western intervention. These dynamics contributed to future conflicts in the region, including the Iraq War in 2003. The unresolved issues stemming from the Gulf War continue to impact geopolitical stability and shape U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

Related terms

CNN Effect: The influence that real-time news coverage can have on public opinion and government policy, particularly during military conflicts, as seen during the Gulf War.

Embedded Journalism: A practice where journalists are attached to military units to report from the front lines, becoming more prominent in subsequent conflicts after the Gulf War.

Operation Desert Storm: The combat phase of the Gulf War launched on January 17, 1991, aimed at expelling Iraqi forces from Kuwait after a prolonged air campaign.