Persian Gulf War January 16th – February 28th 1991

The Gulf War was an outcome of previous tensions in the Middle East. Iraq and Iran – went to war 1980-1988

Iraq owed Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and UAE 80 billion dollars from the Iran-Iraq War. Iraq’s economy was ruined from the war against Iran. April, 1990 – Saddam stated Iraq had chemical weapons – threatened to use them on Israel.

The only way for Iraq to pay off debts was with oil reserves. Saddam also thought Kuwait and UAE were producing too much oil, decreasing his profits. Also felt US was supporting Kuwait. Told M. Eastern countries he was not a threat. Was he???

July 1990 – Saddam sends troops to Kuwait border. August 2nd, 1990 – Iraq invades Kuwait. 4 hours after the attack, Bush Sr. orders economic sanctions against Iraq

Bush believed Iraq would attack Saudi Arabia as well. Sent troops in – accepted by King Fahd.

UN Security Council condemned Iraq. Demanded Saddam withdraw from Kuwait – Iraq failed to comply. UN imposed sanctions as well.

Operation Desert Shield American troops sent to Saudi Arabia on August 7th. 200,000 troops were sent in within 3 Months. August 8th – Saddam annexes Kuwait.

August 9th – UN Security Council declares the annexation void. November 8th – Bush orders 200,000 additional troops to Saudi Arabia. November 29th – UN authorizes military force if Iraq does not withdraw by January 15th, 1991. Saddam releases 20,000 as a good will gesture.

January 12th – Congress gives Bush authority to use military force. UN deadline. Bush gives order for attack upon Iraq.

Saddam believed US was too weak. Also believed Iraq was much stronger. US and coalition forces dominated. War ended 43 days after it began.

148 US military killed in action 121 US military killed in non-hostile action 11 female combat deaths More than 100,000 Iraqis killed in combat