The Gulf War was a major armed conflict fought from 2 August 1990 to 28 February 1991 between Iraq and a United Nations-sanctioned coalition force from 34 nations. It was fought mainly in the Iraqi-occupied Kuwait and Iraq with minor engagements elsewhere. The conflict was sparked by Iraq’s invasion and illegal annexation of Kuwait in August 1990. The conflict was also referred to as the Persian Gulf War, First Gulf War, Gulf War I, Kuwait War, First Iraq War, and Iraq-Kuwait War.
Overview of Operation Desert Storm
Operation Desert Storm (January 17th to February 28th, 1991) was the codename given to the U.S.-led coalition military action against Iraq in response to the latter’s invasion and illegal annexation of Kuwait in August 1990. The coalition, which comprised of forces from over thirty nations and a United Nations Security Council resolution that authorized the use of force to ensure Iraq’s withdrawal from Kuwait, started a massive air campaign against Iraq on January 17th, 1991.
On February 24th, a 100-hour ground war against Iraqi forces ensued which marked the commencement of the coalition’s ground offensive. The ground offensive saw the defeat of Iraqi forces within the 100-hour period, leading to the liberation of Kuwait on February 28th. Iraq officially declared an end to the war on March 3rd, 1991.
American and Coalition Combat Operation
The American-led coalition forces started a massive air campaign aimed at weakening the Iraqi forces in Kuwait and Iraq through disabling its air defense system, communications networks, command and control centers. This was followed by five weeks of intensive bombing of selected Iraqi military units, logistical sites, and oil refineries, crippling Iraq’s military capability.
The coalition forces, under the command of the United Nations Security Council, launched the ground offensive on February 24th, 1991. This saw between 100,000 and 200,000 U.S. ground troops secure a significant part of southern Iraq, displacing the Iraqi armies that had earlier retreated from Kuwait. The operations took place along the Iraq-Kuwait border and close to the cities of Basra and Umm Qasr.
The ground offensive unleashed by the coalition forces resulted in a swift victory, leading to the liberation of Kuwait on February 28th, 1991. The commencement of the ground war also prompted the United Nations Security Council Security Council to pass a cease-fire resolution that authorized all member states to “use all means necessary, including the use of force,” to enforce the cease-fire, along with the immediate withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait.
Aftermath of the Conflict
With the cease-fire resolution that ended the 100-hour war and the liberation of Kuwait, the coalition forces returned to their respective homelands while Iraq’s forces withdrew to their homeland to face the consequences of their actions. Following the cessation of hostilities, some of the aftermaths of the conflict include:
The United Nations Security Council resolutions
UN resolutions were passed to mobilize global support against Iraq. These include:
• Resolution 661 which imposed economic sanctions on the occupation of Kuwait by Iraq;
• Resolution 665 which authorized the enforcement of Resolution 661;
• Resolution 678 which authorized the use of force against Iraq if it did not comply with Resolution 687; and
• Resolution 687 which paved the way for a comprehensive settlement to the Iraq-Kuwait conflict.
Economic Sanctions
The United Nations Security Council imposed comprehensive and comprehensive economic sanctions on Iraq as part of its effort to bring an end to the conflict in the region. Following the conflict, these sanctions would later be lifted after Iraq has met the requirements laid down in Resolution 687.
Damage to the Environment
The war caused extensive damage to both the environment and the economy of Iraq and Kuwait. In Iraq, an estimated 33 million gallons of oil were released when Iraqi forces set fire to several oil wells in Kuwait during the conflict. There were also reports of extensive environmental damage caused by the weapons used during the war in both countries.
The Destruction of Cultural Sites
In the course of the conflict, a number of cultural sites were destroyed, including the ancient city of Najaf and the Basra museum.
The Impact on Civilians
Aside from the destruction of cultural sites, civilians were among the most affected casualties of the war. More than 500,000 people were displaced during the course of the conflict, while thousands were injured and killed as a result of the conflict.
The Lasting Impact on the Region
The Gulf War had a profound and lasting effect on the region. It led to an increase in instability and threat to international security from the regime of Saddam Hussein. It caused a deep political and economic rift between Iraq and Kuwait, and set the scene for future conflicts in the region as the war left unresolved certain issues related to Iraqi occupation of Kuwait.
The Gulf War, or Operation Desert Storm, was a major armed conflict that lasted from 2 August 1990 to 28 February 1991 between Iraq and a United Nations-sanctioned coalition force. It was sparked by Iraq’s invasion and illegal annexation of Kuwait in August 1990, and was an attempt by the UN to protect Kuwait’s sovereignty and ensure Iraq’s withdrawal from Kuwait. The war resulted in a swift victory for the coalition forces and the liberation of Kuwait on February 28th, 1991. The crisis had a profound and lasting impact on the region, resulting in an increase in instability and threat to international security, as well as a deep political and economic rift between Iraq and Kuwait. The war also left unresolved certain issues related to Iraqi occupation of Kuwait, setting the stage for future conflicts in the region.
