Location: Kuwait and surrounding Middle Eastern regions
Key Players: United States, Iraq (Saddam Hussein), Coalition forces
Significance: First major conflict after the Cold War; test of American power and promise of a new world order
Background
July 1990: US intelligence notices unusual Iraqi military movements in southern Iraq which initially did not seem threatening.
Pretext to War: Iraq accused Kuwait of economic sabotage by overproducing oil, leading to dropping prices, and demanded $10 billion.
US Foreign Policy: The US had previously sided with Iraq against Iran but was now facing a threat from Saddam Hussein.
Build-Up to Conflict
Diplomatic Missteps: US ambassador April Glaspie’s meeting with Saddam Hussein failed to deter Iraqi aggression.
Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait: On August 2, 1990, Iraq invades Kuwait, quickly overtaking the country.
US Response: President Bush, distracted by the Cold War's end, responds with urgency once the invasion occurs, shifting focus.
International Coalition: US builds a large multinational coalition with significant contributions from the UK, France, Egypt, and others.
Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm
Military Strategy: Initial focus on air superiority; strategic bombardment; use of precision guided munitions.
Ground Campaign: Massive buildup of forces in Saudi Arabia; emphasis on overwhelming force; fears of chemical weapon use by Iraq.
Main Battles: Kafji, Highway of Death, Medina Ridge.
Key Themes and Issues
Vietnam Syndrome: A psychological barrier due to past US failures in Vietnam, influencing military and public strategies.
Strategic Air Command: Failed to deliver a knockout blow; ground forces necessary to achieve objectives.
Saddam's Miscalculations: Underestimated US resolve, international coalition strength, and effect of economic sanctions.
Aftermath and Consequences
Ceasefire and Saddam’s Survival: Despite military defeat, Saddam remains in power due to fears of regional instability.
Humanitarian Concerns: Kurdish and Shia uprisings brutally suppressed post-war; humanitarian crisis with Kurdish refugees.
Legacy: War reshaped military doctrines; shifted global perceptions of US military capabilities; left unresolved issues in the Middle East.
Political Repercussions: President Bush’s popularity soars initially but wanes leading to his electoral defeat in 1992.
Reflections and Discussions
Moral and Ethical Questions: Use of force, impact of civilian casualties, and post-war responsibilities.
Political Decisions: Debates on the necessity and execution of war; role of international coalitions.
Long-term Impact: Influence on subsequent US foreign policy in the Middle East, including future engagements in Iraq.
Conclusion
The Gulf War represented a complex interplay of military strategy, international diplomacy, and geopolitical shifts, setting a precedent for future US military engagements and foreign policy decisions.