Gulf War: Conflict Research

Map of the Conflict:

This map displays all the ground troop movements, and the allied movement into Iraqian and Kuwait territory in “Operation Desert Storm”, a combination of a large air campaign and a smaller ground campaign.

“Operation Desert Storm” owes most of its success due to the large air strike campaigns, known as “Operation Instant Thunder” carried out in its that had already softened many vital military targets.

Causes of the Conflict:

Before the war Iraq was virtually bankrupt. It was having many tensions with Kuwait, owing it much debt, as well as to Saudi Arabia. It asked these countries to forgive the debts but both refused. Iraq also accused Kuwait of drastically dropping oil prices by bypassing its OPEC quota. This collapse did terrible damage to the Iraqian economy. As a last move, Iraq massed troops on its border before striking into Kuwait, surprising the country and overwhelming targets, such as two airbases and an airport. Most of Kuwait’s forces were overrun and forced to retreat to Saudi Arabia.

The Kuwaitian governers and US delegations requesting a meeting with the UN. The invasion was condemned, and economic sanctions were placed on Iraq, demanding an immediate withdrawal of troops.

In 1991, in the lead up to the war, the UN approved of a naval blockade that would place an embargo against Iraq.

Once Kuwait was conquered, Suddam started to verbally attack Saudi Arabia, claiming that it was not able to protect two holy cities. Much of the world was worried about the possibility of an attack on oil supplies in Saudi Arabia, which make up much of the world’s supplies.

In fear of an Invasion, George W. Bush initiated operation desert shield, a “wholly defensive mission” in order to deter and prevent an invasion.

A coalition of forces was soon formed, and the UN provided a deadline, 15 January 1991, where if troops had not yet been withdrawn, use of force would be authorized.

One of the main reasons for invasion was the violation of territory, as well as aiding the allies of the US. The large number of oil supplies also made protecting Saudi Arabia an importance. Other justifications include the violation of human rights and the possession of chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction.

Example of the Conflict

There are many examples of conflict, such as the many airstrikes that were carried at the beginning. Two EF-111 Ravens guided two F-15 Strike Eagles to target Western Iraq airfields, destroying a Dassault Mirage F-1.

Ten US F-117 Nighthawk Stealth bombers also proceeded to bomb the capital Baghdad, but were soon under fire from 3000 anti-aircraft guns that came from the rooftops.

U.S BGM-109 Cruise missiles also struck Baghdad, and many other targets throughout Iraq, destroying TV Stations, Government buildings, airfields and presidential palaces.