The first gulf war

 The First Gulf War (1990–1991), also known as the Gulf War, the Persian Gulf War, or Operation Desert Storm, was a conflict between Iraq and a coalition of 35 nations led by the United States. It was triggered by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990, and ended with the expulsion of Iraqi forces from Kuwait and a ceasefire on February 28, 1991.

This detailed account will cover:

1. Background and Causes

2. Iraq's Invasion of Kuwait

3. International Response and UN Sanctions

4. Operation Desert Shield (August 1990 – January 1991)

5. Operation Desert Storm (January – February 1991)

6. Ground War and Liberation of Kuwait (February 1991)

7. Ceasefire and Aftermath

8. Consequences of the War

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1. Background and Causes of the First Gulf War

Iraq’s Political and Economic Situation

By 1990, Iraq, under Saddam Hussein, was facing severe economic difficulties. The country had fought an eight-year war with Iran (1980–1988), which left Iraq with massive debts, particularly to Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Iraq owed $14 billion to Kuwait alone. Saddam expected Kuwait to forgive this debt, but Kuwait refused.

Oil Disputes and Tensions with Kuwait

Iraq accused Kuwait of:

1. Overproducing oil, causing global oil prices to drop, which hurt Iraq’s economy.

2. Slant drilling into Iraq's Rumaila oil field, allegedly stealing Iraqi oil.

3. Historically being a part of Iraq, as Saddam claimed Kuwait was an Iraqi province separated by British colonialists in 1961.

Diplomatic Efforts Before the Invasion

Several Arab nations tried to mediate, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, but Iraq continued threatening Kuwait.

On July 25, 1990, Saddam Hussein met with U.S. Ambassador April Glaspie, who stated that the U.S. had “no position” on Arab-Arab disputes, which Saddam interpreted as American indifference to an invasion.

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2. Iraq’s Invasion of Kuwait (August 2, 1990)

On August 2, 1990, at 2:00 AM, Iraq launched a full-scale invasion of Kuwait with 100,000 troops and 700 tanks.

Key Events:

Kuwait’s army (16,000 soldiers) was overwhelmed within hours.

Kuwait’s Emir Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah fled to Saudi Arabia.

Iraq declared Kuwait its 19th province, installing a puppet government under Ali Hassan al-Majid (nicknamed "Chemical Ali").

Iraqi forces looted Kuwait’s banks, museums, and infrastructure.

Thousands of Kuwaitis were arrested, tortured, or executed.

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3. International Response and UN Sanctions

Immediate Reaction

U.S. President George H.W. Bush condemned the invasion, calling it a “naked act of aggression.”

UN Security Council (UNSC) passed Resolution 660, demanding Iraq withdraw immediately.

Saudi Arabia, fearing an Iraqi invasion, requested U.S. military assistance.

Economic and Military Sanctions

UN Resolution 661 (August 6, 1990): Imposed economic sanctions on Iraq.

UN Resolution 665 (August 25, 1990): Authorized naval enforcement of the sanctions.

UN Resolution 678 (November 29, 1990): Gave Iraq until January 15, 1991, to withdraw, or face military action.

Formation of a Military Coalition

A coalition of 35 nations (led by the U.S.) gathered forces in Saudi Arabia under Operation Desert Shield to defend against further Iraqi aggression.

Key contributors:

United States (540,000 troops)

Saudi Arabia (100,000 troops)

United Kingdom (53,000 troops)

France, Egypt, Syria, UAE, and others

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4. Operation Desert Shield (August 1990 – January 1991)

A defensive operation aimed at protecting Saudi Arabia and preparing for potential military action.

Key Developments:

U.S. deployed troops and equipment to Saudi Arabia.

Iraq tried diplomatic strategies, including offering to withdraw if Israel left Palestine, which was rejected.

Saddam took foreign hostages and placed them at key military sites as "human shields."

By January 1991, diplomacy had failed, and Iraq refused to leave Kuwait.

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5. Operation Desert Storm (January 17 – February 23, 1991)

Aerial and Naval Bombardment

On January 17, 1991, the U.S.-led coalition launched a massive air campaign to weaken Iraq’s military.

Tactics:

Stealth bombers and cruise missiles targeted Iraqi air defenses, command centers, and oil refineries.

Coalition aircraft flew 100,000 sorties in 42 days, destroying 80% of Iraq’s air force.

Iraq launched Scud missiles at Israel and Saudi Arabia, but most were intercepted by Patriot missiles.

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6. Ground War: The Liberation of Kuwait (February 24–28, 1991)

The “100-Hour Ground War”

On February 24, 1991, coalition forces launched a ground offensive to drive Iraq out of Kuwait.

Key Battles:

Battle of Khafji (January 29–31, 1991): Iraq attacked Saudi Arabia but was repelled.

Battle of Wadi al-Batin: U.S. and Saudi forces deceived Iraqi troops into thinking a major attack was coming.

"Left Hook" Maneuver: U.S. armored forces bypassed Iraq’s defenses and attacked from the west.

Liberation of Kuwait City (February 26, 1991): Iraqi forces retreated, setting fire to 700 Kuwaiti oil wells.

Iraq’s Retreat and the Highway of Death

Highway 80 (Basra-Kuwait) became known as the “Highway of Death” as U.S. airstrikes destroyed thousands of retreating Iraqi vehicles and soldiers.

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7. Ceasefire and Aftermath (February 28, 1991 – Onward)

February 28, 1991: U.S. declared a ceasefire after Iraq agreed to UN conditions.

April 3, 1991: UN Resolution 687 set conditions for Iraq, including weapons inspections and war reparations.

April 6, 1991: Iraq formally accepted the ceasefire.

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8. Consequences of the First Gulf War

Human and Material Losses

Iraq: 25,000–100,000 soldiers killed, economy devastated.

Kuwait: 1,000+ civilians killed, massive destruction.

Coalition forces: 292 deaths (U.S.: 148 combat deaths).

Political and Economic Consequences

Iraq faced severe economic sanctions for over a decade.

Saddam Hussein remained in power, suppressing uprisings in Kurdish (north) and Shia (south) regions.

U.S. established military bases in the Gulf, leading to resentment and eventual rise of groups like Al-Qaeda.

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Conclusion

The First Gulf War was a decisive victory for the U.S.-led coalition, but it left unresolved tensions that led to future conflicts, including the 2003 Iraq War. The war reshaped Middle Eastern geopolitics, increasing U.S. influence and setting the stage for continued conflict in the region.