The Gulf War By Omar Abdouni Drew Cope

Underlying causes Iraq had economic troubles, unable to reach the sea. Britain separated Kuwait from Iraq in U.S. wanted to protect oil in Kuwait, Bush used Carter Doctrine as reason for war.

Immediate causes Iraq invaded Kuwait to take it over. Iraq lost money because price of oil dropped, caused by overproduction of oil from Kuwait. U.S. authorized by many other countries to liberate Kuwait by force.

Description of weapons held by the opposing sides US: F-177a. Stealth bomber. Black, carried laser guided bombs that were used against fortified Iraq targets M1A1 Abram: First used in the Gulf War. Had pivot mounted gun that fired 105mm rounds, with 2 smaller machine guns. Meant to defend against rumed chemical weapons. The kind of tank that most people are familiar with. Tomahawk Missle: Large missile with computer inside. Used computer programming along with other instruments such as gyroscopes to self guide to target.

Ss-1 scud: Missle used by Iraq. Had a range of miles, with large warhead. Had the potential to be devastating, but was very unaccurate, and very unstable. T-72: Tank of Soviet origin, was the strongest tank at the time. Was easily destroyed after the creation of the Abram.

Description of the major theatres of war Saudia Arabia: Mostly desert. US involvment in Saudia Arabia called “Desert Shield”. Feared that Iraq would invade Saudia Arabia, the US wanted to protect the oil. Kuwait: Offensive on Kuwait called “Desert Storm”. Lasted 42 days, with Iraq leaving Kuwait. Mostly desert, had many oil wells. Many of them caught fire, which could be seen from high in the air.

Decisive Battles Operation Desert Storm- US led air offensive with the objective to win the war in the air and to limit ground effort. Operation Desert Sabre shifted focus towards Iraqi ground forces in Kuwait and Southern Iraq, ultimately liberated Kuwait. In mid- february the Iraqi Republican Guard attempts to mount a defense of Al- Basrah but are defeated on the 27 th which ends the war.

Key Strategies/Events Leading to War Defend Saudi Arabia from attack by Iraq Destroy Iraq’s chemical, biological, and nuclear capabilities. Destroy Iraq’s command control, and communications capabilities. Eliminate Republican Guard as an effective fighting force. Drive Iraqi forces from Kuwait.

Peace Agreements/ Treaties Bush declares a cease fire on February 28 th UN sanctions require Iraq to recognize Kuwait’s sovereignty and destroy all of their weapons of mass destruction.

Long Term Impact Hurt Iraq’s economy long term because of the money they had to spend on the war ($50 Billion) Hurt Iraq’s relations with other Arab Nations. Iraq war has been a result of the Gulf War, Oil from OPEC nations and Weapons of Mass destruction.