Rachel Millar, Jesse Smith, and Jessi Lee The Gulf War Rachel Millar, Jesse Smith, and Jessi Lee

Background description Iran – Iraq war was ended by a UN ordered ceasefire Aug. 1988 July 1990 Iran and Iraq foreign ministers met for peace talks Although it seemed like Saddam was read to return territory his forces occupied he ended the talks almost right after they started 2 weeks later he gave a speech that accused Kuwait of taking Iraqi oil along their boarder He started sending Iraqi troops to the boarders On Aug. 2 1990 Iraq invaded Kuwait To defend his invasion he stated that Kuwait was an “artificial state carved out of the Iraqi coast by western colonists… who's only goal was to keep oil prices low for its western buyers”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2TQ8a4LK3A

Who Saddam Hussein ordered the Invasion of neighboring Kuwait A group of 37+ nations came together to form “the coalition troops” to force Iraq to retreat The United States was the biggest contributor in the effort to stop Iraq

Where This war took place in Kuwait Along the Iraq – Kuwait boarder And finally in Iraq

When Iraq invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990 The next day the UN security council called for Iraq to withdraw On August 8th Saddam Hussein claimed Kuwait as its 19th state The UN called for a cease fire and Iraq did not listen United States along with other nations started sending troops to countries bordering Iraq and Kuwait – mainly Saudi Arabia On November 29th 1990 the UN authorized “all necessary means” of force to stop Iraq On January 17th, 1991 the US lead air- strike known as Desert Storm began

Continued The air strike lasted for 42 days The land attacks known as Desert Shield started February 28th, 1991President Bush called for a ceasfire and the war was ended Iraq was given peace terms, which they accepted Some of these terms included Kuwaits sovereignty and getting rid of all weapons of mass destruction

Why To defend his invasion Saddam Hussein stated that Kuwait was an “artificial state carved out of the Iraqi coast by western colonists… who's only goal was to keep oil prices low for its western buyers”

Aftermath Approximately 10 000 Iraqi forces were killed Approximately 300 coalition troops were killed It was considered a victory for the coalition Saddam Hussein was NOT removed from power

Historical Significance The Gulf War can be considered very significant because it can be described as a defining moment within modern history. This is because of three main criteria, which are as follows: Has had a long lasting impact, which have changed the future of events to come; Has affected Many nations; and Has resulted in the dramatic changes in people’s live today

The Long-Lasting Impact Gulf War Syndrome An illness as claimed by veterans that has resulted because of the exposure to a variety of chemicals through war machinery and tactics Has resulted in long-term ailments such as post-traumatic stress disorder, respiratory problems, and chronic multi-symptom illnesses Although depleted uranium, and anthrax vaccines have been dismissed as a cause, other things such as a pyridostigmine bromide nerve gas antidote, and organophosphate pesticides have been determined as plausible causes.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12195320 British veteran Kerry Fuller, a Senior Aircraftman during Operation Desert Storm, tells about his struggles with everyday life because of his case of Gulf War Syndrome

Rachel The conflict in Iraq affected approximately 37 nations not including Iraq and Kuwait. Some of these nations include Canada, Italy, France, Germany, Qatar, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and the United States providing the most troops. The United States' lead role in the conflict showed the world that they no longer had what was called the “Vietnam Syndrom,” meaning that they were no longer reluctant to commit their military and use force. The Gulf War helped the US re-establish and prove its strength as a world power.

Immediately Noticed as Having Significance This was the first conflict to split the Arab countries over which side to support One of the first major international crisis’ after the cold war era Tested the ability of the United States and Russia to work together in world affairs The war established the United States as the only superpower at the time

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