9.2 The Gulf War and its impact on regional politics

The Gulf War erupted in 1990 when Iraq invaded Kuwait, sparking a global response. Iraq's actions stemmed from historical claims, economic pressures, and Saddam Hussein's ambitions. The UN condemned the invasion, while the US led a coalition to counter Iraqi aggression.

The conflict saw a massive international effort, with the US spearheading military operations. The UN provided diplomatic backing through resolutions. Coalition forces employed air and ground strategies, quickly overwhelming Iraqi defenses and liberating Kuwait in a decisive victory.

Background and Causes of the Gulf War

Factors behind Iraq's Kuwait invasion

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• Iraq's historical claims to Kuwait
  • Viewed Kuwait as former province unjustly separated by British colonial powers
• Economic factors
  • Substantial debt from Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) strained Iraq's economy
  • Disputes over oil production and pricing
    • Accused Kuwait of exceeding OPEC quotas driving down oil prices hurting Iraq's revenues
  • Kuwait's alleged slant-drilling into Iraq's Rumaila oil field depleting reserves
• Saddam Hussein's regional ambitions
  • Sought to establish Iraq as dominant Middle Eastern power
  • Perceived opportunity to expand territory and control vital oil resources (Persian Gulf)
• International response
  • United Nations Security Council Resolution 660
    • Condemned invasion demanding Iraq's immediate withdrawal from Kuwait
  • United States-led coalition formed to counter Iraqi aggression
    • Operation Desert Shield: Defensive deployment of forces to Saudi Arabia deterring further Iraqi advances
    • Imposition of economic sanctions and embargo against Iraq isolating the country

International Involvement and Military Operations

US and UN in Gulf War

• United States
  • Assembled broad international coalition against Iraq including NATO allies and Arab states (Saudi Arabia, Egypt)
  • Provided bulk of military forces and leadership
    • General Norman Schwarzkopf as commander-in-chief of coalition forces
  • Pursued diplomatic efforts to secure UN resolutions and international support
• United Nations
  • Security Council resolutions
    • Resolution 661: Imposed economic sanctions on Iraq crippling its economy
    • Resolution 678: Authorized member states to use "all necessary means" to enforce previous resolutions if Iraq did not withdraw by January 15, 1991
  • Legitimized international response to Iraq's aggression
  • Facilitated coalition-building and diplomatic efforts rallying global condemnation

Military strategies of conflict

• Coalition strategy
  • Air campaign (Operation Desert Storm)
    • Targeted Iraqi command and control, infrastructure, and military assets
    • Established air superiority and weakened Iraqi defenses paving way for ground offensive
  • Ground offensive
    • Flanking maneuver to cut off and isolate Iraqi forces in Kuwait
    • Rapid advance to minimize coalition casualties and prevent Iraqi entrenchment
• Key battles and operations
  • Battle of Khafji: First major ground engagement, repelled Iraqi attack on Saudi Arabian town
  • Liberation of Kuwait: Coalition forces entered Kuwait expelling Iraqi troops
  • Battle of 73 Easting: Decisive armored engagement showcasing coalition's technological superiority (M1 Abrams tanks)
  • Highway of Death: Controversial air and ground attacks on retreating Iraqi forces (thousands of vehicles destroyed)

Aftermath and Regional Impact

Gulf War's regional consequences

• Political consequences
  • Weakening of Saddam Hussein's regime
    • Failed uprising by Shia and Kurdish populations in Iraq brutally suppressed
    • Continued international sanctions and isolation eroding Hussein's power
  • Enhanced U.S. military presence and influence in the region
    • Establishment of permanent U.S. bases in Gulf states (Bahrain, Qatar)
  • Strained relations between Iraq and other Arab states that participated in the coalition
• Economic consequences
  • Destruction of Iraqi infrastructure and economy
    • Estimated $200 billion in damages from bombing campaign
    • Continued economic decline under international sanctions causing widespread poverty
  • Financial strain on coalition members
    • Saudi Arabia and Kuwait bore significant costs of the war in the billions
  • Fluctuations in oil prices and supply
    • Initial spike in prices followed by stabilization as Kuwaiti oil fields secured
  • Increased foreign investment and economic ties with Western powers for Gulf states
• Regional instability and unresolved issues
  • Persistent tensions between Iraq and Kuwait despite border demarcation
  • Humanitarian crisis in Iraq, particularly among Kurds and Shia facing government repression
  • Continued U.S. involvement in regional conflicts and politics (no-fly zones, sanctions)