The Gulf War 1990-1 August, 1990: IRAQ control all of Kuwait after a 1-month military invasion

The International Reaction a) The UN: Passed a series of resolutions imposing sanctions on Iraq Demonstrated new era of superpower cooperation & authorized military intervention Jan 1991 b) The Arab League Eventualluy agreed to condem Iraq and authorized military forces to Saudi Arabia c) The US Led coalistion to remove Iraq from Kuwait, deployed a massive force into Saudi Arabia (350,000 troops + aircraft tanks and artillery etc..) d) Iraq launched attacks on Israel (missiles( in attempt split Arab league support of West attempted to diplomatically forice split in arab league Iraq wanted Israel to withdraw from the west bank 16 January 1991 US led invasion 2 phases of the War a) massive aerial assault bombing campaign vs Iraq and Iraqi forces in Kuwait b) Ground phase force Iraqis out of Kuwait but no invasion of Iraqi territory By the end of Feburary, Saddam accepted a ceasefire and began a withdrawal form Kuwait The Air War Types of weapons/technology a) Precision guided missiles/GPS b) Night vision goggles allowed greater night strikes/sorties c) Stealth bomber/Fight avoid radar Results: a) Huge psychological impact led to mass-surrender by Iraqi forces b) Destroyed infrastructure and was making capability c) Destroy intelligence, communication centers in Bagdadh and other areas The Role of the Navy Naval Actions: Enforce UN embargo/bloackade on Iraqi imports/exports - Naval launched guided missiles - Forces Iraqis to defend along coastlise as well as Saudi split forces - Aircraft centers Results: a) forces greater shortage of materials/ $ in Iraq b) destroyued infrastructure/c ommunication c) naval assault d) forces split of Iraq forces

e) additional airstrips for air war Iraw as Limited War - Small geographical area of conflict - No nuclear/biological /chemical awrfare - No war economy - # of casualties - no conscription (US & UN coalition) - UN resolution 678 remove traq from Kuwait no Iraqi invasion and/or regime change - Limited civilian casualties Counter Argument: - Iraqi perspective utilized most of its tanks, artillery, ground ofrces in invasion BUT: withdrew many to protect leadership during UN phase - Iraq conscription - Iraqi infrastructure destroyed water sanitation, bridges, orads, schools, hospitqals - Life expactency = dropped 15 years - Infant mortality = tripled - Environmental damage 600 wells set on fire; 400 million gallons dumped into Persian Gulf - Depleted Uranium, UXO, landmines cancer, death dismemberment - UN Coalition with over 500,000 troops