Events on January 12 in history

Persian Gulf War: An act of the U.S. Congress authorizes the use of American military force to drive Iraq out of Kuwait.

The Gulf War: A Comprehensive Overview of the 1990-1991 Conflict

The Gulf War, an intensive armed campaign that unfolded from 1990 to 1991, represented a pivotal moment in contemporary international relations. This conflict was waged by a robust coalition of 35 nations, strategically led by the United States, in direct response to the Iraqi invasion and subsequent annexation of the neighboring State of Kuwait. The military operations were systematically phased and codenamed: the defensive buildup was known as Operation Desert Shield, spanning from August 2, 1990, to January 17, 1991, primarily focusing on the deployment of troops and the defense of Saudi Arabia. Following this, the combat phase was designated Operation Desert Storm, commencing on January 17, 1991, and concluding swiftly on February 28, 1991, marking a decisive liberation effort.

Origins of the Conflict: The Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait

The catalyst for the Gulf War was the unprovoked invasion of Kuwait by the Iraqi military on August 2, 1990. Within a mere two days, Iraqi forces had completely occupied the sovereign nation. This aggressive act was met with immediate and widespread international condemnation, leading the United Nations Security Council to swiftly impose stringent economic sanctions against Iraq, notably through resolutions such as 660 and 661. Several factors are widely believed to have motivated Iraq's actions:

• Economic Grievances: A primary driver was Iraq's significant financial distress following the arduous eight-year Iran–Iraq War (1980-1988). Iraq owed Kuwait more than US$14 billion, a debt incurred to finance its extensive military expenditures during that conflict, which Baghdad was struggling to repay.
• Oil Production Disputes: Kuwait's consistently high petroleum production levels, often exceeding its mandatory quota set by the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) throughout much of the 1980s, contributed to a global oversupply of oil. This kept international oil prices artificially low, directly impacting Iraq's primary source of revenue and exacerbating its economic woes. Iraq interpreted Kuwait's refusal to decrease its oil output as an aggressive economic act aimed at undermining the Iraqi economy.
• Historical Claims: Iraq had long held historical claims over Kuwait, viewing it as part of its territory, a sentiment that resurfaced during times of economic hardship and geopolitical tension.

The Formation of the International Coalition and Operation Desert Shield

In the wake of the invasion, then-British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and American President George H. W. Bush took swift action. They initiated the deployment of troops and military equipment into Saudi Arabia and concurrently appealed to other nations to contribute their forces to the burgeoning international effort. This call for solidarity resonated globally, leading to the formation of an unprecedented multinational coalition, the largest military alliance assembled since World War II. The overwhelming majority of the coalition's military might stemmed from the United States. Other significant initial contributors, in order of their lead-up contributions, included Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and Egypt. The financial burden of this extensive operation was substantially offset by key regional allies, with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia collectively contributing approximately US$32 billion towards the total US$60 billion cost, highlighting the direct stake these nations had in regional stability.

Operation Desert Storm: The Combat Phase and Kuwait's Liberation

The active combat phase, Operation Desert Storm, commenced with an intense aerial and naval bombardment on January 17, 1991. This sustained air campaign, meticulously designed to degrade Iraq's military capabilities, infrastructure, and command-and-control networks, continued for five weeks. During this period, Iraq, under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, strategically launched Scud missiles towards Israel. The intent behind these attacks was to provoke an Israeli military response, which Baghdad hoped would alienate the coalition's Muslim-majority member states, thereby fracturing the alliance against Iraq. When this tactic failed to elicit the desired Israeli retaliation, Iraq also targeted coalition forces stationed in Saudi Arabia with Scud missiles, often intercepted by the newly deployed MIM-104 Patriot missile defense system.

Following the devastating air campaign, the coalition initiated a ground assault into Iraqi-occupied Kuwait on February 24, 1991. This ground offensive was a swift and decisive victory for the coalition forces. They rapidly liberated Kuwait City and continued their advance beyond the Iraq–Kuwait border into Iraqi territory. The ground campaign, characterized by superior coalition technology and coordination, lasted a mere 100 hours. Upon achieving their primary objectives of expelling Iraqi forces from Kuwait and neutralizing their immediate threat, the coalition promptly ceased its advance and declared a ceasefire. Aerial and ground combat operations were strictly confined to the geographical areas of Iraq, Kuwait, and specific zones straddling the Iraq–Saudi Arabia border.

Legacy and Impact of the Gulf War

The Gulf War left an indelible mark on military history and media coverage. It notably pioneered the advent of live news broadcasts directly from the front lines of the conflict, most prominently by the American cable news network CNN. This real-time reporting fundamentally transformed how wars were perceived and consumed by the global public. The conflict also earned the informal moniker "Video Game War," largely due to the daily broadcast of compelling, if sometimes sanitized, images captured by cameras mounted on American bomber aircraft during Operation Desert Storm, providing an unprecedented visual perspective of modern aerial combat. Furthermore, the Gulf War's ground engagements, particularly in the desert terrain, are historically significant for including three of the largest tank battles in American military history, showcasing the scale and intensity of armored warfare in the late 20th century.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Gulf War

What was the primary cause of the Gulf War?

The primary cause was Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait on August 2, 1990, driven by economic grievances, specifically large debts owed to Kuwait and disputes over oil production quotas and pricing.

What were the main phases of the Gulf War?

The war had two main phases: Operation Desert Shield (August 1990 – January 1991), which focused on troop buildup and defense, and Operation Desert Storm (January 1991 – February 1991), the combat phase involving air and ground operations.

Which countries formed the coalition against Iraq?

A coalition of 35 nations participated, led by the United States. Key contributors included Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and Egypt, alongside many others from around the world.

How did the Gulf War impact media coverage of conflicts?

The Gulf War marked a significant shift with the introduction of live, 24/7 news broadcasts from the front lines, primarily by CNN, fundamentally changing the public's access to and perception of ongoing military conflicts.

How long did the ground campaign of Operation Desert Storm last?

The ground campaign was remarkably swift, lasting only 100 hours (just over four days) from its commencement on February 24, 1991, until the declaration of a ceasefire.