Explain the reasons of first gulf war

 The First Gulf War: Causes and Detailed Analysis

The First Gulf War (1990-1991), also known as Operation Desert Storm, was a major conflict that erupted following Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. This war involved Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, against a coalition of nations led by the United States and the United Nations. The reasons behind this war are complex and deeply rooted in historical, political, economic, and strategic factors.

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1. Background of the First Gulf War

Before diving into the causes of the war, it is essential to understand the historical and political backdrop:

Iraq and Kuwait Relations: Iraq and Kuwait had longstanding border disputes, with Iraq historically claiming that Kuwait was part of its territory.

Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988): Iraq had recently fought an eight-year war against Iran, leaving its economy in crisis.

Oil-rich Region: The Persian Gulf is a major oil-producing region, making it a focal point of global economic interest.

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2. Causes of the First Gulf War

2.1 Iraq’s Economic Crisis and War Debts

After the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), Iraq faced severe economic problems:

Iraq had accumulated $80 billion in debt, much of it borrowed from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait to fund the war.

Iraq expected debt forgiveness from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, but they refused, leading to tensions.

The country’s economy was in ruins, and Saddam Hussein saw an opportunity to seize Kuwait’s wealth and oil reserves to solve Iraq’s financial problems.

2.2 Iraq’s Claim Over Kuwait

Iraq claimed that Kuwait was historically part of Iraq and accused the British of creating an artificial border during the colonial era.

Saddam Hussein portrayed Kuwait as a province of Iraq and justified the invasion as a way to reunify the region.

2.3 Oil Disputes and Economic Tensions

Iraq accused Kuwait of overproducing oil, which lowered global oil prices and hurt Iraq’s revenue.

Iraq also accused Kuwait of stealing oil from the Rumaila oil field, which was located on the Iraq-Kuwait border.

Saddam Hussein demanded that OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries) lower oil production to increase prices, but Kuwait and Saudi Arabia refused.

2.4 Saddam Hussein’s Regional Ambitions

Saddam Hussein saw himself as the leader of the Arab world and wanted Iraq to dominate the region.

By taking Kuwait, Iraq would control 20% of the world’s oil reserves, making it a powerful economic and political force.

He believed that the United States and the West would not interfere in a regional dispute.

2.5 Western and Global Interests in Kuwait

The United States, Europe, and Japan depended on Middle Eastern oil, and Kuwait was a major supplier.

If Iraq controlled Kuwait and threatened Saudi Arabia, it could dictate oil prices globally.

The West saw Saddam Hussein as a threat to global economic stability.

2.6 US-IRAQ Relations and Miscalculations

Before the invasion, the US Ambassador to Iraq, April Glaspie, met Saddam Hussein and did not explicitly state that the US would oppose an invasion of Kuwait.

Saddam miscalculated, thinking the US would not intervene in the conflict.

However, after Iraq invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990, the US saw it as an act of aggression that threatened global stability.

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3. The Invasion of Kuwait (August 2, 1990)

On August 2, 1990, Iraq launched a military invasion of Kuwait, quickly capturing the country.

The Kuwaiti royal family fled to Saudi Arabia, and Iraq declared Kuwait the 19th province of Iraq.

The world condemned the invasion, and the United Nations imposed economic sanctions on Iraq.

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4. The Response: Formation of the Coalition

The United Nations, led by the United States, demanded Iraq withdraw from Kuwait.

The US, UK, France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other allies formed a military coalition.

Operation Desert Shield was launched to protect Saudi Arabia from a potential Iraqi attack.

4.1 UN Resolutions and Diplomatic Efforts

The UN Security Council passed Resolution 660, demanding Iraq’s withdrawal.

Further resolutions authorized military force if Iraq did not comply.

Iraq refused to withdraw, and diplomatic talks failed.

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5. The Outbreak of War: Operation Desert Storm (January 17, 1991 – February 28, 1991)

On January 17, 1991, the US-led coalition launched Operation Desert Storm, a massive air and missile attack against Iraq.

February 24, 1991: A ground assault began, quickly defeating the Iraqi army.

February 28, 1991: Iraq surrendered, and Kuwait was liberated.

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6. Consequences of the First Gulf War

6.1 Military and Humanitarian Impact

Iraq suffered heavy losses, with tens of thousands of soldiers killed.

Iraq used Scud missiles against Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Kuwait’s infrastructure was destroyed, and Iraqi forces set fire to over 600 oil wells, causing an environmental disaster.

6.2 Economic Sanctions on Iraq

The UN imposed harsh economic sanctions on Iraq, leading to severe hardship for the Iraqi people.

Iraq’s economy suffered greatly, contributing to later unrest.

6.3 Impact on Saddam Hussein’s Regime

Saddam remained in power but faced internal opposition.

The Shia and Kurdish uprisings in Iraq were brutally suppressed.

6.4 US Military Presence in the Middle East

The US established a permanent military presence in Saudi Arabia, which later fueled anti-American sentiment.

This presence became one of the reasons cited by Osama bin Laden for his opposition to the US, leading to terrorist attacks in the 1990s and 2000s.

6.5 Prelude to the Iraq War (2003)

The Gulf War did not remove Saddam from power, and US-Iraq tensions continued.

In 2003, the US invaded Iraq again, citing weapons of mass destruction (WMDs), leading to the Iraq War and Saddam’s overthrow.

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7. Conclusion

The First Gulf War was driven by a combination of economic struggles, oil disputes, territorial ambitions, and geopolitical miscalculations. Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait threatened regional stability and global oil supplies, prompting an international military response. The war had long-term consequences, shaping Middle Eastern politics, US foreign policy, and future conflicts, including the Iraq War in 2003.