Gulf War: U.S. President George H. W. Bush announces that "Kuwait is liberated".

The Gulf War: A Defining Conflict of the Late 20th Century

The Gulf War, an intense armed campaign of the early 1990s, was primarily a response led by the United States and a formidable coalition of 35 nations against Iraq. This conflict was ignited by Iraq's brazen invasion and subsequent annexation of its small, oil-rich neighbor, Kuwait. The entire operation was meticulously planned and executed under two distinct codenames: "Operation Desert Shield," which spanned from August 2, 1990, to January 17, 1991, during the critical pre-combat buildup of troops and the robust defense of Saudi Arabia, and "Operation Desert Storm," marking its active combat phase from January 17, 1991, to February 28, 1991.

The Road to Conflict: Iraqi Aggression and Global Condemnation

The crisis began in earnest on August 2, 1990, when the Iraqi military, under Saddam Hussein, launched a swift and overwhelming invasion of the neighboring State of Kuwait. Within a mere two days, the entire country was under Iraqi occupation. Several factors are believed to have driven this aggressive move. Among the leading speculations were Iraq's dire financial straits, specifically its inability to repay over US$14 billion borrowed from Kuwait to fund its lengthy and costly military efforts during the Iran–Iraq War. Adding to the tension was Kuwait's substantial increase in petroleum production levels, which, by keeping global oil prices down, significantly reduced Iraq's crucial oil revenues. Throughout much of the 1980s, Kuwait's oil output consistently exceeded its mandatory OPEC quota, contributing to lower international oil prices. Iraq vehemently interpreted Kuwait's refusal to decrease its oil production as an act of economic aggression. The international community reacted with immediate and widespread condemnation, with the United Nations Security Council swiftly imposing economic sanctions against Iraq.

In a decisive show of force, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and American President George H.W. Bush quickly deployed troops and equipment into Saudi Arabia, simultaneously urging other nations to contribute their own forces. This call to action garnered an impressive response, with an array of countries joining the U.S.-led coalition, forming the largest military alliance seen since World War II. The bulk of the coalition's military might came from the United States, with Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and Egypt serving as the largest lead-up contributors in that order. The financial burden was also significantly shared, with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia together contributing approximately US$32 billion towards the total US$60 billion cost of the war.

Operation Desert Storm: Liberation and Aftermath

The initial phase of combat, aimed at expelling Iraqi forces from Kuwait, commenced on January 17, 1991, with an intensive aerial and naval bombardment that continued for five weeks. During this period, Iraq attempted a strategic gambit, launching missiles into Israel with the explicit aim of provoking an Israeli military response. The Iraqi leadership hoped this would cause the coalition's Muslim states to withdraw, thereby fracturing the alliance against Iraq. However, this missile campaign failed to achieve its desired effect. Iraq then redirected its Scud missiles towards coalition targets stationed in Saudi Arabia. This aerial campaign was followed by a massive ground assault launched by the coalition into Iraqi-occupied Kuwait on February 24. The offensive proved to be a decisive victory for the coalition forces, who swiftly liberated Kuwait and then began advancing past the Iraq–Kuwait border into Iraqi territory. Just 100 hours after the ground campaign began, the coalition halted its advance and declared a ceasefire, having achieved its primary objective. The aerial and ground combat was largely confined to Iraq, Kuwait, and the areas immediately straddling the Iraq–Saudi Arabia border.

A War of Firsts: Media and Military Legacy

The Gulf War holds a unique place in military history, most notably for marking the introduction of live news broadcasts directly from the front lines of the battle, primarily by the American network CNN. This unprecedented media coverage earned it the moniker "Video Game War," due to the daily televised images from cameras onboard American bombers during Operation Desert Storm. Militarily, the Gulf War is also remembered for including three of the largest tank battles in American military history, showcasing the modern capabilities of coalition forces.

George H.W. Bush: A Statesman Navigating a Changing World

George Herbert Walker Bush (June 12, 1924 – November 30, 2018) was a distinguished American politician, diplomat, and businessman who served as the 41st President of the United States from 1989 to 1993. A lifelong member of the Republican Party, Bush's extensive career in public service included a tenure as the 43rd Vice President from 1981 to 1989 under Ronald Reagan, service in the U.S. House of Representatives, and key roles as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and Director of Central Intelligence.

Early Life and Ascendant Career

Bush's journey began in Greenwich, Connecticut, where he was raised. He attended Phillips Academy before bravely serving in the United States Navy Reserve during World War II, a testament to his early commitment to his country. Following the war, he graduated from Yale University and subsequently moved to West Texas, where he established a successful oil company, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit. His political ambitions led him to an unsuccessful run for the United States Senate, but he found victory in 1966, winning election to the 7th congressional district of Texas. His capabilities were quickly recognized, leading President Richard Nixon to appoint him as Ambassador to the United Nations in 1971 and then as chairman of the Republican National Committee in 1973. President Gerald Ford further entrusted Bush with critical roles, appointing him as the Chief of the Liaison Office to the People's Republic of China in 1974, and in 1976, Bush became the Director of Central Intelligence, a pivotal intelligence role.

From Vice President to President

Bush sought the presidency in 1980 but was defeated in the Republican presidential primaries by Ronald Reagan, who then wisely selected Bush as his vice presidential running mate. Eight years later, in the 1988 presidential election, Bush successfully defeated Democrat Michael Dukakis, making history as the first incumbent Vice President to be elected President since Martin Van Buren in 1836. His presidency was largely defined by foreign policy, as he skillfully navigated the complex final years of the Cold War and played a pivotal role in the reunification of Germany. President Bush also presided over the invasion of Panama and, most notably, the Gulf War, which successfully ended the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait. While not ratified until after he left office, Bush also negotiated and signed the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), laying the groundwork for a significant trade bloc encompassing the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Domestically, Bush faced challenges and made difficult decisions. He controversially reneged on a 1988 campaign promise of "no new taxes," enacting legislation to raise taxes with the justification of reducing the budget deficit. However, he also championed and signed three crucial pieces of bipartisan legislation: the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, a landmark civil rights bill; the Immigration Act of 1990; and the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, demonstrating his commitment to social and environmental progress. Furthermore, he successfully appointed David Souter and Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court. Despite these achievements, Bush lost the 1992 presidential election to Democrat Bill Clinton, a defeat attributed to an economic recession, his turnaround on his tax promise, and a decreased emphasis on foreign policy in a rapidly changing post-Cold War political climate.

Legacy and Family

After leaving office in 1993, George H.W. Bush remained active in humanitarian activities, often working alongside his former opponent, Bill Clinton, in a spirit of bipartisan cooperation. With the victory of his son, George W. Bush, in the 2000 presidential election, they became the second father-son pair to serve as the nation's president, following John Adams and John Quincy Adams. Another son, Jeb Bush, unsuccessfully sought the Republican presidential nomination in the 2016 primaries. Historians generally rank Bush as an above-average president, recognizing his steady hand during a period of significant global transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the Gulf War?
The Gulf War was a military conflict waged by a U.S.-led coalition of 35 nations against Iraq, following Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait in August 1990. It was known as Operation Desert Shield during the troop buildup and Operation Desert Storm during the combat phase.
When did the Gulf War take place?
The Gulf War's primary combat phase, Operation Desert Storm, ran from January 17, 1991, to February 28, 1991. The preceding troop buildup, Operation Desert Shield, began on August 2, 1990.
What caused the Gulf War?
The war was primarily caused by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Underlying factors included Iraq's significant debt to Kuwait, and Iraq's perception of economic aggression due to Kuwait's high oil production impacting Iraqi revenues.
Who was President during the Gulf War?
George H.W. Bush was the 41st President of the United States and led the international coalition during the Gulf War.
What was Operation Desert Storm?
Operation Desert Storm was the codename for the combat phase of the Gulf War, involving extensive aerial and ground assaults by the coalition forces to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation.
What is George H.W. Bush famous for?
George H.W. Bush is known for his extensive public service, including being the 41st U.S. President, Vice President under Reagan, Ambassador to the UN, and Director of the CIA. His presidency is particularly noted for his leadership during the end of the Cold War and the Gulf War.
What major domestic policies did George H.W. Bush enact?
Domestically, George H.W. Bush signed the landmark Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Immigration Act of 1990, and the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990.