The dawn of the 1990s witnessed a monumental geopolitical crisis erupt in the Middle East, culminating in what became known as the Gulf War. This armed conflict, a swift and decisive campaign, saw a formidable 35-nation, United States-led coalition unite against Iraq. Their objective was clear: to reverse the Iraqi invasion and annexation of its smaller, oil-rich neighbor, Kuwait. The entire operation was meticulously planned and executed under two distinct codenames: first, Operation Desert Shield, which ran from August 2, 1990, to January 17, 1991, focused on the crucial pre-combat buildup of troops and the robust defense of Saudi Arabia; subsequently, the intense combat phase was dubbed Operation Desert Storm, lasting from January 17, 1991, to February 28, 1991.

The genesis of this conflict trace back to August 2, 1990, when the Iraqi military, under the command of Saddam Hussein, launched a full-scale invasion of the neighboring State of Kuwait. Within a mere two days, Kuwait was entirely occupied, its sovereignty extinguished. The true intentions behind this aggressive move have been the subject of much historical debate and speculation. Many point to Iraq's crippling debt—over US$14 billion owed to Kuwait, largely incurred to finance its protracted war against Iran in the 1980s—as a primary motivator. Another significant factor was Kuwait's seemingly relentless surge in petroleum production levels. Throughout much of the 1980s, Kuwait's oil output consistently exceeded its mandatory OPEC quota, a move that depressed international oil prices and, consequently, significantly reduced Iraq's oil revenues. Baghdad interpreted Kuwait's steadfast refusal to decrease its oil production as an economic act of aggression, a direct challenge to the Iraqi economy's stability.

Global Outcry and Coalition Forged

The unprovoked invasion of Kuwait was met with immediate and widespread international condemnation. The United Nations Security Council swiftly imposed stringent economic sanctions against Iraq, signaling a unified global stance against such blatant aggression. In a powerful display of resolve, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and American President George H. W. Bush wasted no time deploying significant troops and military equipment into Saudi Arabia, which now shared a vulnerable border with Iraqi-occupied Kuwait. They then issued an urgent call to other nations, urging them to contribute their own forces to the escalating crisis. This appeal resonated globally, leading to the formation of an unprecedented international alliance—the largest military coalition since World War II.

The bulk of the coalition's formidable military forces hailed from the United States. However, critical lead-up contributions came from Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and Egypt, in that order, alongside contributions from dozens of other nations. The immense financial burden of this massive military undertaking was also shared: of the approximate US$60 billion total cost, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia together shouldered a significant US$32 billion, highlighting the regional stakes involved.

Operation Desert Storm: The Combat Phase Unfolds

The initial phase of the military conflict, aimed at expelling Iraqi forces from Kuwait, commenced on January 17, 1991. This marked the beginning of Operation Desert Storm with a relentless aerial and naval bombardment that continued for a grueling five weeks. During this intense period, Iraq attempted a dangerous gamble: it began launching Scud missiles into Israel. The Iraqi leadership's calculated aim was to provoke a retaliatory response from the Israeli military, hoping that such an intervention would compel the coalition's Muslim states to withdraw, thereby fracturing and jeopardizing the painstakingly assembled alliance against Iraq. However, Iraq's missile campaign against Israel failed to elicit the desired response, leaving the coalition intact.

Undaunted, Iraq also launched Scud missiles at coalition targets strategically stationed within Saudi Arabia, but these too failed to significantly alter the war's trajectory. Following the comprehensive air campaign, a decisive ground assault by the coalition forces into Iraqi-occupied Kuwait began on February 24. This offensive was a resounding, swift victory. Coalition forces rapidly liberated Kuwait and then pressed their advantage, advancing beyond the Iraq–Kuwait border and into Iraqi territory. Just 100 hours after the ground campaign began, the coalition declared a ceasefire, ceasing its advance. The entire aerial and ground combat was predominantly confined to the territories of Iraq, Kuwait, and specific areas straddling the Iraq–Saudi Arabia border.

A New Era of Warfare and Media Coverage

The Gulf War was more than just a military victory; it marked a pivotal moment in the history of warfare and media. It heralded the widespread introduction of live news broadcasts directly from the front lines of battle, an innovation largely pioneered by the American network CNN. This groundbreaking coverage brought the conflict directly into living rooms worldwide, transforming public perception of war. The conflict also earned the evocative nickname the "Video Game War," a term that gained traction after the daily broadcast of captivating, albeit chilling, images captured by cameras onboard American bombers during Operation Desert Storm. These precise, almost clinical, views of munitions striking targets felt uncannily like a video game to many observers, a stark contrast to previous war reporting. From a military historical perspective, the Gulf War is also notable for featuring three of the largest tank battles in American military history, showcasing the scale and intensity of the ground engagements.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Gulf War

What was the Gulf War?

The Gulf War was an international armed conflict in 1990-1991 where a US-led coalition of 35 nations fought against Iraq to liberate Kuwait, which Iraq had invaded and annexed.

When did the Gulf War take place?

The conflict's main phases were from August 1990 (Operation Desert Shield) to February 1991 (Operation Desert Storm), with combat operations primarily in January and February 1991.

Why did Iraq invade Kuwait?

Iraq invaded Kuwait primarily due to financial disputes, including a large debt owed to Kuwait from the Iran-Iraq War, and a belief that Kuwait's high oil production was deliberately harming Iraq's economy by keeping oil prices low.

What were the main operations of the Gulf War?

The two main operations were Operation Desert Shield, focused on troop buildup and defense of Saudi Arabia, and Operation Desert Storm, which was the combat phase involving aerial bombardment and a ground assault.

Who were the key international leaders during the Gulf War?

Key leaders included U.S. President George H. W. Bush, British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

What was the role of the United Nations?

The United Nations Security Council played a crucial role by condemning the invasion, imposing economic sanctions on Iraq, and authorizing the use of force if Iraq did not withdraw from Kuwait.

How did media coverage impact the Gulf War?

The Gulf War revolutionized war reporting with live broadcasts from the front lines, notably by CNN. It was also dubbed the "Video Game War" due to the widespread broadcasting of bomber camera footage, bringing a new visual dimension to conflict for the public.