Conflict over oil
Oil can bring great wealth into countries. Oil can also put countries at risk for conflict. Other countries can invade to gain control of oil reserves. In 1990, invasion motivated by oil occurred in Kuwait. Iraq invaded the oil-rich country. After Iraq refused to withdraw troops, the United States fought to free Kuwait. Iraq’s soldiers left Kuwait in 1991, following the Persian Gulf War.
Oil can bring great wealth into countries. Oil can also put countries at risk for conflict. Other countries can invade to gain control of oil reserves. In 1990, invasion motivated by oil occurred in Kuwait. Iraq invaded the oil-rich country. After Iraq refused to withdraw troops, the United States fought to free Kuwait. Iraq’s soldiers left Kuwait in 1991, following the Persian Gulf War.
Countries depending on oil for income is also at risk of having the government overthrown. It happens when a rival group gains support of the country’s military. The oil-rich country Nigeria had eight successful military coups between 1966 and 1993. Nigeria also endured civil war tied to oil. Several states broke away from the Republic of Biafra in 1967. More than 1 million people died from fighting and also from lack of food before the country was reunited in 1970.
Countries depending on oil for income is also at risk of having the government overthrown. It happens when a rival group gains support of the country’s military. The oil-rich country Nigeria had eight successful military coups between 1966 and 1993. Nigeria also endured civil war tied to oil. Several states broke away from the Republic of Biafra in 1967. More than 1 million people died from fighting and also from lack of food before the country was reunited in 1970.