Kuwait

Definition

Kuwait is a small, oil-rich country located in the Middle East, bordered by Iraq and Saudi Arabia. It became a focal point of international conflict in the early 1990s when Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait, leading to a significant military intervention by a coalition of nations. This event not only marked a critical moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics but also symbolized the larger tensions in global relations during the period surrounding the end of the Cold War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kuwait's invasion by Iraq occurred on August 2, 1990, which was met with widespread condemnation from the international community.
2. The United Nations imposed economic sanctions on Iraq following the invasion, which significantly impacted its economy.
3. The Gulf War officially began with coalition airstrikes on January 17, 1991, as part of Operation Desert Storm to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait.
4. Kuwait's liberation was achieved on February 26, 1991, after a successful military campaign that lasted approximately six weeks.
5. The Gulf War highlighted the strategic importance of oil resources in international politics and reshaped relationships in the Middle East.

Review Questions

• Discuss the reasons behind Iraq's invasion of Kuwait and how this event changed the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
  • Iraq's invasion of Kuwait was primarily motivated by its desire to control Kuwait's vast oil reserves and to address its own economic issues following the Iran-Iraq War. The invasion shifted the geopolitical landscape by uniting multiple nations against Iraq, leading to the formation of a broad international coalition. This marked a departure from Cold War dynamics as former adversaries collaborated for a common goal, showcasing how conflicts over resources could lead to global alliances.
• Analyze the impact of international response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait on future U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
  • The international response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait set a precedent for U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East that emphasized military intervention to protect allies and maintain stability. The successful formation of a coalition against Iraq demonstrated that collective security measures could be effective in addressing aggression. This event influenced future U.S. actions in the region, including ongoing military presence and interventions in subsequent conflicts, shaping American engagement with Middle Eastern politics for decades.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Gulf War on Kuwait and its relationship with Iraq and other countries in the region.
  • The Gulf War had profound long-term consequences for Kuwait, solidifying its independence and leading to substantial reconstruction efforts post-war. However, relations with Iraq remained tense and complicated due to lingering animosities from the conflict. Additionally, Kuwait's reliance on its oil wealth and strong ties with Western powers impacted its interactions with neighboring countries, contributing to regional dynamics that included cooperation and conflict as issues like terrorism and political instability emerged in later years.

Related terms

Gulf War:

The conflict that erupted when Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, leading to a large-scale military response from a coalition of countries led by the United States.

Saddam Hussein:

The president of Iraq from 1979 until 2003, whose aggressive policies and invasion of Kuwait sparked the Gulf War.

Operation Desert Storm:

The combat phase of the Gulf War in which coalition forces launched a military campaign to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.