Gulf War
Overview
The Gulf War, also known as the Persian Gulf War, was a conflict that took place from August 2, 1990, to February 28, 1991. The war was fought between a coalition of 35 nations led by the United States and the country of Iraq. The conflict originated from Iraq's invasion of its neighboring country, Kuwait. The United Nations Security Council responded by passing a series of resolutions that condemned Iraq's invasion and called for its immediate withdrawal from Kuwait.
Causes of the War
The primary cause of the Gulf War was Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Iraq, under the leadership of President Saddam Hussein, accused Kuwait of overproducing oil and thereby depressing its price, which was causing severe economic harm to Iraq. Iraq also claimed that Kuwait was historically a part of its territory, a claim that was not recognized internationally.
Coalition Forces
The coalition forces were led by the United States, with significant contributions from the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Other countries that provided troops, equipment, and support included France, Australia, Canada, and several Gulf states. The coalition was notable for its size and diversity, including countries from North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Military Operations
The military operations of the Gulf War can be divided into two main phases: Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. Operation Desert Shield was the initial deployment of coalition forces into Saudi Arabia to deter an anticipated invasion by Iraq. Operation Desert Storm, which began on January 17, 1991, was the combat phase of the war, involving a massive air campaign followed by a ground offensive.
Aftermath
The Gulf War ended with a decisive victory for the coalition forces. Iraq was expelled from Kuwait, and Kuwait's sovereignty was restored. However, Saddam Hussein remained in power in Iraq, leading to a decade of sanctions and containment policies by the United Nations. The war also had significant impacts on the region and contributed to the conditions that led to the Iraq War in 2003.