Module 3: The Gulf War

Gulf War

The Gulf War, also known as Operation Desert Storm or the Persian Gulf War, was a major conflict that erupted in 1990-1991 after Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, invaded and occupied Kuwait. Saddam justified the invasion by point out Kuwait of overproducing oil and slant-drilling into Iraqi oil fields.  Additionally, Saddam wanted to control Kuwait's vast oil reserves and erase debts accrued during the Iran-Iraq War. 

Evidence suggests that the Iraqi government reached out to the US ambassador to determine if the US would get involved.  Saddam was led to believe that the United States was fine with an invasion of Kuwait.  However, once Iraqi forces entered Kuwait, the U.S. condemned the attack.  It is unclear what the nature of this confusion was, although it led to disastrous consequences for all involved.

The invasion alarmed the international community, particularly the United States under President George H. W. Bush. Believing Iraq's aggression as a threat to the stability of the Middle East and the global oil supply, the U.S. quickly sought to build a coalition to oppose Saddam’s actions. Saudi Arabia, fearful that Saddam might invade their territory next, allowed U.S. forces to deploy within its borders, setting the stage for a massive military operation.

The CIA and other intelligence agencies played a crucial role in monitoring Iraqi troop movements and assessing the situation on the ground. The U.S.-led coalition, composed of forces from over 30 nations, launched Operation Desert Storm in January 1991 after diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis failed. Over the course of six weeks, coalition forces unleashed a devastating aerial bombing campaign, targeting Iraq’s military infrastructure. This was followed by a ground offensive that swiftly liberated Kuwait in a matter of days. Saddam’s forces, vastly outnumbered and outgunned, suffered heavy casualties. The coalition’s advanced technology and tactics overwhelmed the Iraqi military, forcing a rapid retreat. One of the war's most infamous events occurred during this retreat, when U.S. forces destroyed large columns of fleeing Iraqi soldiers and equipment along what became known as the "Highway of Death," a stark symbol of Iraq’s defeat.

Despite Iraq's military collapse, Saddam Hussein remained in power, as the coalition's mandate was limited to liberating Kuwait rather than toppling the Iraqi regime. President George H. W. Bush faced criticism from some for not pursuing Saddam further, but the decision was shaped by concerns about regional stability and the potential costs of occupying Iraq. The war left Iraq economically devastated, subjected to harsh sanctions that persisted throughout the 1990s. The conflict also underscored the strategic importance of the Middle East and cemented the U.S.'s role as a dominant power in the region. However, the Gulf War set the stage for future tensions, as Saddam’s survival and the suffering of the Iraqi people under sanctions fueled resentment that would later contribute to renewed conflict in the early 2000s.