Iraq war

Managing Peace and Managing Peace and Security:Regional and Security:Regional and International ConflictInternational Conflict

What is the Middle East Like?What is the Middle East Like?

M.E covers part of Northern Africa, South-M.E covers part of Northern Africa, South-Western Asia and South-Eastern EuropeWestern Asia and South-Eastern Europe

It is made up of countries of Bahrain, It is made up of countries of Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Turkey, United Arab Arabia, Sudan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates(UAE), and Yemen Emirates(UAE), and Yemen


Largest group in M.E. are ArabsLargest group in M.E. are Arabs Also others like Turks and KurdsAlso others like Turks and Kurds Islam is main religion in M.E.Islam is main religion in M.E. Other religions are Christianity and Other religions are Christianity and

JudaismJudaism Countries in M.E. are widely different Countries in M.E. are widely different

in their economic developmentin their economic development Richest countries in region have oil Richest countries in region have oil

reserves such as Saudi Arabia and reserves such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait Kuwait


Per capita income in rich countries Per capita income in rich countries can be as high as US$23 000 can be as high as US$23 000

In the poorer countries like Sudan In the poorer countries like Sudan and Yemen, it can be as low as and Yemen, it can be as low as US$800. US$800.

Difference in income has led to Difference in income has led to resentment among poorer countries resentment among poorer countries against their richer neighbours against their richer neighbours

Why is the Middle East Important?Why is the Middle East Important?

M.E is very important to the world because M.E is very important to the world because of its important oil-producing regionsof its important oil-producing regions

Oil is found in countries around the Persian Oil is found in countries around the Persian GulfGulf

These countries are referred to as the Gulf These countries are referred to as the Gulf StatesStates

They comprise Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, They comprise Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE

Most of them belong to Most of them belong to OPEC (Organisation OPEC (Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countriesof Petroleum Exporting Countries

Aim of OPEC:To stabilise oil prices by Aim of OPEC:To stabilise oil prices by controlling the amount of oil that its controlling the amount of oil that its members can produce members can produce

Why is the Middle East Why is the Middle East Important?Important?

M.E is important bec it controls a strategic M.E is important bec it controls a strategic waterway known as the Suez Canal which waterway known as the Suez Canal which links Europe to the M.E and Asia.links Europe to the M.E and Asia.

This is an important trade route for This is an important trade route for transporting goods and oil to other parts transporting goods and oil to other parts of the world.of the world.

Countries like USA and Russia are very Countries like USA and Russia are very concerned with development in ME concerned with development in ME because of its strategic importance because of its strategic importance

Suez CanalSuez Canal

What was theWhat was the Historical Relationship Historical Relationship

likelike between Iraq and Kuwait?between Iraq and Kuwait? Iraq and Kuwait are neighboursIraq and Kuwait are neighbours They share a common history and cultureThey share a common history and culture Both were former British coloniesBoth were former British colonies Kuwait was granted independence from the Br Kuwait was granted independence from the Br

in 1961in 1961 Iraq refused to recognise Kuwait’s Iraq refused to recognise Kuwait’s

independence independence It claimed that Kuwait was historically a part It claimed that Kuwait was historically a part

of Iraq and governed under same territory of Iraq and governed under same territory during Ottoman ruleduring Ottoman rule

Iraq had many times claimed sovereignty over Iraq had many times claimed sovereignty over Kuwait e.g. it sent troops to claim Kuwait in Kuwait e.g. it sent troops to claim Kuwait in 1961 1961


likelike between Iraq and Kuwait?between Iraq and Kuwait?

What was theWhat was the Historical Relationship likeHistorical Relationship like between Iraq and Kuwait?between Iraq and Kuwait?

Br and other Arab nations sent troops to Br and other Arab nations sent troops to help defend Kuwaithelp defend Kuwait

Iraq troops retreatedIraq troops retreated In 1963, Iraq gave up its claim on Kuwait In 1963, Iraq gave up its claim on Kuwait

as Arab neighbours pressurised it and Iraq as Arab neighbours pressurised it and Iraq received a lot of $ from Kuwaitreceived a lot of $ from Kuwait

Iraq recognised Kuwait as a sovereign Iraq recognised Kuwait as a sovereign countrycountry

Iraq continued to threaten Kuwait with Iraq continued to threaten Kuwait with military power over border disputes military power over border disputes


likelike between Iraq and Kuwait?between Iraq and Kuwait? Iraq and Kuwait had worked with one another Iraq and Kuwait had worked with one another

in the pastin the past E.g during Iran-Iraq war in 1980s, Kuwait E.g during Iran-Iraq war in 1980s, Kuwait

helped Iraq by proving it with loan of US$14 helped Iraq by proving it with loan of US$14 billionbillion

Kuwait loan was motivated by national self-Kuwait loan was motivated by national self-interestinterest

Kuwait was worried over the threat posed by Kuwait was worried over the threat posed by Iran esp after Islamic Revolution in 1979 Iran esp after Islamic Revolution in 1979 (Ayatollah Khomeini)(Ayatollah Khomeini)

Countries in M.E. were worried that this Countries in M.E. were worried that this revolution would lead to rise of revolution would lead to rise of fundamentalism in region fundamentalism in region

What worsened the Relationship What worsened the Relationship

between Iraq and Kuwaitbetween Iraq and Kuwait??1.1. Economic Problems in Iraq Economic Problems in Iraq Before Iran-Iraq war(1980-88), Iraq was richBefore Iran-Iraq war(1980-88), Iraq was rich It had US$35 billion in reservesIt had US$35 billion in reserves Iraq’s economy was ruined by the Iran-Iraq war Iraq’s economy was ruined by the Iran-Iraq war

and many lives were lostand many lives were lost Iraq owed US$80 billion Iraq owed US$80 billion in debts to its in debts to its

neighbours and other countries e.g. US, Frneighbours and other countries e.g. US, Fr US and Fr supplied it with food and war US and Fr supplied it with food and war

equipmentequipment Reconstruction of Iraq after war also Reconstruction of Iraq after war also

required US$230 billionrequired US$230 billion Iraq had to find ways to pay off the debt and Iraq had to find ways to pay off the debt and

also rebuild the countryalso rebuild the country


between Iraq and Kuwaitbetween Iraq and Kuwait??2.2. Oil Production Oil Production Iraq wanted to pay off debt by earning Iraq wanted to pay off debt by earning

more revenue from sale of oilmore revenue from sale of oil But oil prices were falling because of But oil prices were falling because of

over-production by some countriesover-production by some countries OPEC (Organisation of the OPEC (Organisation of the

Petroleum Exporting Countries)Petroleum Exporting Countries) placed quota on amount of oil member placed quota on amount of oil member countries could produce to prevent countries could produce to prevent further fall in pricesfurther fall in prices


between Iraq and Kuwaitbetween Iraq and Kuwait??2.2. Oil Production Oil Production Kuwait and UAE ignored quota set and Kuwait and UAE ignored quota set and

produced oil above assigned limitsproduced oil above assigned limits This caused oil prices to This caused oil prices to fall from US$18 to fall from US$18 to

US$7 per barrel at a pointUS$7 per barrel at a point Iraq lost a lot of revenue due to fall in oil Iraq lost a lot of revenue due to fall in oil

pricesprices It It lost US$1 billion from oil lost US$1 billion from oil sales each time sales each time

oil price felloil price fell Iraq felt that action of Kuwait and UAE was Iraq felt that action of Kuwait and UAE was

same as same as waging economic war on Iraq waging economic war on Iraq as as 90% of its income came from sale of oil90% of its income came from sale of oil


between Iraq and Kuwaitbetween Iraq and Kuwait??

3.3. Dispute over Territory Dispute over Territory Territorial dispute was another Territorial dispute was another

area of tensionarea of tension Iraq and Kuwait inherited their Iraq and Kuwait inherited their

borders from Britainborders from Britain These borders were not well-These borders were not well-

defined and continued to create defined and continued to create problems for both sides after problems for both sides after independence from Britainindependence from Britain


between Iraq and Kuwaitbetween Iraq and Kuwait??3.3. Dispute over Territory Dispute over Territory Rumaila OilfieldRumaila Oilfield

– The unclearly-defined borders between The unclearly-defined borders between Iraq and Kuwait had resulted in both Iraq and Kuwait had resulted in both sides sharing a profitable oilfield, the sides sharing a profitable oilfield, the Rumaila OilfieldRumaila Oilfield

– In 1990, Iraq accused Kuwait of stealing In 1990, Iraq accused Kuwait of stealing oil by drilling for oil from Iraqi side oil by drilling for oil from Iraqi side using slant-drilling technology using slant-drilling technology which which Kuwait had purchased earlier. Kuwait had purchased earlier.


between Iraq and Kuwaitbetween Iraq and Kuwait??3.3. Dispute over Territory Dispute over Territory Rumaila OilfieldRumaila Oilfield

– However, Kuwait insisted it had taken oil However, Kuwait insisted it had taken oil only from its side of oilfieldonly from its side of oilfield

– Iraq demanded that Kuwaitis stop drilling Iraq demanded that Kuwaitis stop drilling for oil from the Rumaila oilfield completelyfor oil from the Rumaila oilfield completely

– Iraqis also demanded Iraqis also demanded US$2.4 billion in US$2.4 billion in compensationcompensation for the oil that Kuwait had for the oil that Kuwait had supposedly taken from the oilfieldsupposedly taken from the oilfield

– Kuwait refused as it claimed that it had only Kuwait refused as it claimed that it had only drilled oil from their side of the oilfielddrilled oil from their side of the oilfield


between Iraq and Kuwaitbetween Iraq and Kuwait??3.3. Dispute over Territory Dispute over Territory Bubiyan and Warbah Bubiyan and Warbah IslandIsland

– Iraq is Iraq is land lockedland locked– Umm Qasr, its only port is shallow and Umm Qasr, its only port is shallow and

big ships cant dock at the portbig ships cant dock at the port– So Iraq is So Iraq is unable to transport its oil unable to transport its oil

in large quantitiesin large quantities– Port facilities at Umm Qasr were Port facilities at Umm Qasr were

destroyed during Iraq’s war with Irandestroyed during Iraq’s war with Iran

Warbah

Bubiyan


between Iraq and Kuwaitbetween Iraq and Kuwait??3.3. Dispute over Territory Dispute over Territory Bubiyan and Warbah IslandBubiyan and Warbah Island

– Iraq also had dispute with Kuwait over Iraq also had dispute with Kuwait over ownership of 2 islands aboveownership of 2 islands above

– Kuwait had inherited them from the BritishKuwait had inherited them from the British– Iraq was unhappy with Kuwait’s ownership Iraq was unhappy with Kuwait’s ownership

of the island as they were strategically of the island as they were strategically located off the Iraqi port of Umm Qasrlocated off the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr

– Hence Hence Kuwait had potential to block off Kuwait had potential to block off Iraq’s access to the Gulf, which would Iraq’s access to the Gulf, which would affect Iraq’s oil transportation affect Iraq’s oil transportation



– Iraq didn’t accept Kuwait’s ownership of Iraq didn’t accept Kuwait’s ownership of these 2 islandsthese 2 islands

– It attempted to use force to claim It attempted to use force to claim ownership of islands in 1960s and 1970s.ownership of islands in 1960s and 1970s.

– Attempts failedAttempts failed– From 1978, From 1978, Iraq wanted to lease Iraq wanted to lease

islands from Kuwait but both islands from Kuwait but both countries failed to reach suitable countries failed to reach suitable agreementagreement



– Kuwait refused to lease the 2 islandsKuwait refused to lease the 2 islands– It feared it would cause further It feared it would cause further

territorial demands from Iraqterritorial demands from Iraq

Managing Peace and Managing Peace and Security:Regional and Security:Regional and

International ConflictInternational Conflict – Lesson 2 – Lesson 2

Recap on Previous LessonRecap on Previous Lesson

What were the 3 factors that worsened relationship between Iraq and Kuwait?

Economic Problems in IraqOil ProductionDispute over territory

–Rumaila Oilfield–Bubiyan and Warbah Islands

QuizQuiz

What are some of the ‘names’ given for the eventual war US against Iraq?

War in Iraq (duh!)Gulf WarPersian Gulf WarOperation Desert StormOperation Desert Shield (in Saudi Arabia)

Were there attempts to resolve the Were there attempts to resolve the problems between Iraq and Kuwait?problems between Iraq and Kuwait?

1.1. Mediation by the Arab LeagueMediation by the Arab League– Iraq made several complaints against Iraq made several complaints against

Kuwait to the Arab LeagueKuwait to the Arab League– Complaints include alleged theft of oil Complaints include alleged theft of oil

from Rumaila oilfieldfrom Rumaila oilfield– Iraq also wanted Kuwait and the rest of Iraq also wanted Kuwait and the rest of

Arab countries to write off its war-time Arab countries to write off its war-time debts as Iraq’s war with Iran had been for debts as Iraq’s war with Iran had been for the good of the entire regionthe good of the entire region

– Saudi Arabia had already cancelled Iraq’s Saudi Arabia had already cancelled Iraq’s debt as it knew that it was impossible for debt as it knew that it was impossible for Iraq to repay. Iraq to repay.

Arab League of Nations


1.1. Mediation by the Arab LeagueMediation by the Arab League– Arab countries tried to resolve problem Arab countries tried to resolve problem

between Iraq and Kuwait amidst mounting between Iraq and Kuwait amidst mounting tensiontension

– E.g. over-production of oilE.g. over-production of oil– Kuwait and UAE earlier refused to lower oil Kuwait and UAE earlier refused to lower oil

production levelproduction level– Eventually they gave in to combined pressure Eventually they gave in to combined pressure

from Saudi, Iranian and Iraqi pressure from Saudi, Iranian and Iraqi pressure – They agreed to keep to OPEC quotasThey agreed to keep to OPEC quotas– But Iraq claimed that it had info that Kuwait But Iraq claimed that it had info that Kuwait

did not intend to adhere to these quotas for did not intend to adhere to these quotas for long long


1.1. Mediation by the Arab LeagueMediation by the Arab League– Arab League organised dialogue Arab League organised dialogue

session bet Iraq and Kuwait to discuss session bet Iraq and Kuwait to discuss territorial issue territorial issue

– During dialogue, Iraqis assured Arab During dialogue, Iraqis assured Arab League mediator that they would League mediator that they would continue negotiations on issue continue negotiations on issue

– Iraq denied it was building up forces at Iraq denied it was building up forces at the borderthe border


Were attempts successful?Were attempts successful?

Negotiations between Iraq and Kuwait were Negotiations between Iraq and Kuwait were going on well.going on well.

OPEC Ministers had agreed to raise oil prices to OPEC Ministers had agreed to raise oil prices to US$21 per barrel up from US$18US$21 per barrel up from US$18

This is to ensure that Iraq would earn more This is to ensure that Iraq would earn more money from the sale of oil for its reconstruction money from the sale of oil for its reconstruction effortsefforts

Meeting between Iraq and Kuwait in Aug 1990. Meeting between Iraq and Kuwait in Aug 1990. During meeting, During meeting, Kuwait agreed to write off Kuwait agreed to write off

Iraq’s wartime debt and to provide additional Iraq’s wartime debt and to provide additional US$500 million as a loan to IraqUS$500 million as a loan to Iraq

But Iraq walked out of talks when Kuwait But Iraq walked out of talks when Kuwait refused to give in to any territorial demands refused to give in to any territorial demands


Were attempts successful?Were attempts successful? Kuwaitis were not alarmed.Kuwaitis were not alarmed. They expected talks to resume They expected talks to resume

during later meeting scheduled on 4 during later meeting scheduled on 4 Aug 1990. Aug 1990.

But in early hours of Aug 1990, Iraq But in early hours of Aug 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait.invaded Kuwait.

Events Leading to the Invasion of KuwaitEvents Leading to the Invasion of Kuwait 28 May 199028 May 1990 At meeting of Arab League, Iraq reprimanded At meeting of Arab League, Iraq reprimanded

Kuwait for driving down oil prices and stealing Kuwait for driving down oil prices and stealing oil from Rumaila oilfield.oil from Rumaila oilfield.

16 July 199016 July 1990 Saddam published letter to Arab League, Saddam published letter to Arab League, charging Kuwait with stealing US$2.4 billion of charging Kuwait with stealing US$2.4 billion of oil from Rumaila oilfield. oil from Rumaila oilfield.

18 July 199018 July 1990 Iraq reprimanded Kuwait for looking to Iraq reprimanded Kuwait for looking to foreigners like US to settle issue.foreigners like US to settle issue.Iraq signalled its willingness to seek an Arab Iraq signalled its willingness to seek an Arab diplomatic solution.diplomatic solution.

27-28 July 27-28 July 19901990

OPEC Ministers met at Geneva and agreed to OPEC Ministers met at Geneva and agreed to raise oil price by 38.8% raise oil price by 38.8% They also agreed to strictly enforce OPEC oil They also agreed to strictly enforce OPEC oil quotasquotas

In the In the MeantimeMeantime

Iraq continued amassing troops at Kuwait till Iraq continued amassing troops at Kuwait till Aug 1990.Aug 1990.

Events Leading to the Invasion of KuwaitEvents Leading to the Invasion of Kuwait

1 Aug 1 Aug 19901990

Kuwait agreed to discuss Iraq’s war Kuwait agreed to discuss Iraq’s war debt debt Kuwait refused to concede any Kuwait refused to concede any territory or pay for oil that Iraq territory or pay for oil that Iraq claimed that Kuwait had stolen from claimed that Kuwait had stolen from Rumaila oilfield.Rumaila oilfield.

2 Aug 2 Aug 19901990

Iraq invaded KuwaitIraq invaded Kuwait

Iraq Invades KuwaitIraq Invades Kuwait

Invasion was a successInvasion was a success 16 000 strong Kuwaiti army didn’t have 16 000 strong Kuwaiti army didn’t have

enough time to be fully mobilisedenough time to be fully mobilised Kuwait fell to Iraq within 12 hrs of Kuwait fell to Iraq within 12 hrs of

invasioninvasion Iraqi army moved towards Saudi Arabian Iraqi army moved towards Saudi Arabian

border and stationed themselves there border and stationed themselves there

Iraq Invades KuwaitIraq Invades Kuwait

Why did Iraq invade Kuwait?Why did Iraq invade Kuwait?

World was surprisedWorld was surprised Seen as a ploy to force Kuwait into making Seen as a ploy to force Kuwait into making

concessions to Iraqconcessions to Iraq Why did Iraq invade Kuwait when Why did Iraq invade Kuwait when

negotiations were still going on?negotiations were still going on?


1.1. Iraq’s official reasonIraq’s official reason Iraqi govt claimed it had gone Iraqi govt claimed it had gone

in at in at request of revolutionaries request of revolutionaries to free Kuwait from ruling govtto free Kuwait from ruling govt

Iraq warned other countries not Iraq warned other countries not to interfere, to interfere, threatening to kill threatening to kill KuwaitisKuwaitis if they did if they did

Why did Iraq invade Kuwait?Why did Iraq invade Kuwait?2.2. Saddam Hussein’s leadershipSaddam Hussein’s leadership Saddam Hussein saw himself as a great Saddam Hussein saw himself as a great

leader of Arab worldleader of Arab world Kuwait’s repeated refusal to give in to Kuwait’s repeated refusal to give in to

Iraq’s demands were seen as defiance and Iraq’s demands were seen as defiance and personal attack on himpersonal attack on him

Saddam was worried there would be Saddam was worried there would be uprising against him in Iraq by Shi’a uprising against him in Iraq by Shi’a Muslims Muslims

Shi’a Muslims form majority in IraqShi’a Muslims form majority in Iraq Iran-Iraq war had left Iraqi economy Iran-Iraq war had left Iraqi economy

devastateddevastated Iraq people didn’t think war with Iran was Iraq people didn’t think war with Iran was

successful unlike what Saddam claimed.successful unlike what Saddam claimed.


2.2. Saddam Hussein’s Saddam Hussein’s leadershipleadership

Prices of necessities were very highPrices of necessities were very high People were unhappy with himPeople were unhappy with him Iraqi govt built up a large army Iraqi govt built up a large army

numbering 1 million personnel during numbering 1 million personnel during warwar

Saddam feared Iraqi army would turn Saddam feared Iraqi army would turn against him if situation in Iraq didn’t against him if situation in Iraq didn’t improve. improve.


3.3. Misreading the position of the Misreading the position of the US (US (misunderstood US’s misunderstood US’s intentionsintentions))

Before invasion, Saddam met with American Before invasion, Saddam met with American ambassador to discuss problems Iraq had with ambassador to discuss problems Iraq had with KuwaitKuwait

From meeting, Saddam thought Americans From meeting, Saddam thought Americans were sympathetic to Iraq’s situation were sympathetic to Iraq’s situation

He felt US wouldn’t go to Kuwait’s aidHe felt US wouldn’t go to Kuwait’s aid This made Saddam think there would be no This made Saddam think there would be no

severe consequencessevere consequences

International OutcryInternational Outcry

There were many response to the There were many response to the invasion of Kuwait. invasion of Kuwait.

Arab ResponseArab Response American ResponseAmerican Response International ResponseInternational Response Which one do you think cause the Which one do you think cause the

most damage to the Iraq people?most damage to the Iraq people?

What were the reactions to the What were the reactions to the invasion?invasion?

1. Fear of Iraqi Dominance Countries in the region were

frightened and worried Through invasion, Iraq controlled 20%

of world’s oil production Ease of invasion might have

encouraged Iraq to be even bolder Iraqi army camped near Kuwait-Saudi

Arabia border There were fears that Iraq would set

its eyes on the riches of Saudi Kingdom.

Countries that border with IraqCountries that border with Iraq


1.1. Fear of Iraqi DominanceFear of Iraqi Dominance Access to vast amounts of oil Access to vast amounts of oil

would enable Iraq to set high would enable Iraq to set high price for oil and solve Iraq’s price for oil and solve Iraq’s economic problemseconomic problems

This would create problems for This would create problems for world economyworld economy

Saudi Arabia knew that their Saudi Arabia knew that their armed forces would be no match armed forces would be no match for Iraq’s larger and more for Iraq’s larger and more experienced army experienced army



2.2. The “Arab Solution”The “Arab Solution” Arab countries were not interested in Arab countries were not interested in

having a western response to crisis having a western response to crisis They didn’t want a return of western They didn’t want a return of western

imperialism in the Middle Eastimperialism in the Middle East Kuwaiti officials appealed to Arab League Kuwaiti officials appealed to Arab League

to organise a joint force to counter the to organise a joint force to counter the Iraqi invasion as well as to condemn its Iraqi invasion as well as to condemn its actions actions


2.2. The “Arab Solution”The “Arab Solution” Arab League responded by voting to Arab League responded by voting to

condemn Iraqi actions condemn Iraqi actions Arab League called upon Iraq to Arab League called upon Iraq to

withdraw from Kuwait.withdraw from Kuwait. But vote was passed by slim marginBut vote was passed by slim margin 8 Arab League members didn’t support 8 Arab League members didn’t support

the votethe vote League was unable to deal effectively League was unable to deal effectively

with the crisis as its members were with the crisis as its members were divided on their responses to the divided on their responses to the invasion invasion


3.3. American ResponseAmerican Response Large number of Iraqi soldiers were at Saudi’s Large number of Iraqi soldiers were at Saudi’s

borderborder Saudi Arabia officially invited US to help defend Saudi Arabia officially invited US to help defend

the kingdom against potential Iraqi threat.the kingdom against potential Iraqi threat. US responded by deploying soldiers, navy ships US responded by deploying soldiers, navy ships

and planes to defend Saudi Kingdomand planes to defend Saudi Kingdom This operation was named Operation This operation was named Operation

Desert ShieldDesert Shield Britain, France and members of the Arab Britain, France and members of the Arab

League later decided to send troops to help US League later decided to send troops to help US defend Saudi Arabia and get Iraq out of Kuwait defend Saudi Arabia and get Iraq out of Kuwait



3.3. American ResponseAmerican Response Vital economic interests of US at riskVital economic interests of US at risk Iraq controls 10% of world’s oil reservesIraq controls 10% of world’s oil reserves Iraq + Kuwait = 20%Iraq + Kuwait = 20% Iraq after the invasion would have economic Iraq after the invasion would have economic

and military power and military power This might make Iraq arrogant to intimidate This might make Iraq arrogant to intimidate

and coerce its neighbours who control the and coerce its neighbours who control the giant share of world’s remaining oil reservesgiant share of world’s remaining oil reserves

USA felt it cant allow such an important USA felt it cant allow such an important resource to be controlled by just one resource to be controlled by just one country country



4.4. International ResponseInternational Response US took lead in condemning Iraqi actionsUS took lead in condemning Iraqi actions US initiated forming coalition of countries to help US initiated forming coalition of countries to help

defend Saudi Arabia and get Iraq out of Kuwaitdefend Saudi Arabia and get Iraq out of Kuwait UN Security Council UN Security Council passed unanimous passed unanimous

resolution demanding immediate Iraqi resolution demanding immediate Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwaitwithdrawal from Kuwait

It also called for 2 countries to begin immediate It also called for 2 countries to begin immediate and intensive negotiations for resolution of and intensive negotiations for resolution of differencesdifferences

Kuwaiti and Iraqi assets worldwide were Kuwaiti and Iraqi assets worldwide were frozenfrozen

This is to prevent Iraq from making use of the This is to prevent Iraq from making use of the funds. funds.


4.4. International ResponseInternational Response Economic and military sanctions were used to Economic and military sanctions were used to

force Iraq out of Kuwait.force Iraq out of Kuwait. Economic sanctions Economic sanctions were meant to inflict were meant to inflict

heavy toll on Iraq heavy toll on Iraq Iraq would’nt be able to earn money from its Iraq would’nt be able to earn money from its

sale of oilsale of oil No country was allowed to sell goods to Iraq No country was allowed to sell goods to Iraq

with exception of food and medical supplieswith exception of food and medical supplies This was important as Iraq imported 90% of its This was important as Iraq imported 90% of its

goods from overseas, including food products goods from overseas, including food products

Recap 1Recap 1

What worsened the What worsened the relationship between relationship between Iraq & Kuwait?Iraq & Kuwait?

Economic ProblemsEconomic Problems Oil ProductionOil Production Dispute over territoryDispute over territory

– Rumaila OilfieldRumaila Oilfield– Bubiyan Island and warbah Islands Bubiyan Island and warbah Islands

Recap 2Recap 2

What were the 3 reasons What were the 3 reasons for Saddam’s invasion?for Saddam’s invasion?

Free the Kuwaiti people from current Free the Kuwaiti people from current (bad) ruling govt(bad) ruling govt

Saddam’s own leadership (fear of Saddam’s own leadership (fear of uprising against him by Shi’a uprising against him by Shi’a Muslims)Muslims)

Wrongly thought that US was Wrongly thought that US was sympathetic to Iraq’s problems sympathetic to Iraq’s problems

Recap 3Recap 3

What FOUR reactions were What FOUR reactions were there from the invasion?there from the invasion?

Fear of Iraqi’s dominance and powerful armyFear of Iraqi’s dominance and powerful army Arab Solution – divided response to the Arab Solution – divided response to the

invasion. Not all countries were bold enough invasion. Not all countries were bold enough to condemn the action.to condemn the action.

American response – Operation Desert American response – Operation Desert ShieldShield

Int’l response – UN Security Council passed Int’l response – UN Security Council passed resolution to freeze Iraq’s assets and resolution to freeze Iraq’s assets and imposed economic & military sanctionsimposed economic & military sanctions

Was the use of force the only Was the use of force the only way to get Iraq out of Kuwait?way to get Iraq out of Kuwait?

Was the use of force the only Was the use of force the only way to get Iraq out of Kuwait?way to get Iraq out of Kuwait?

1.1. Iraq’s response to diplomatic Iraq’s response to diplomatic attemptsattempts

Initially after invasion, Iraq responded favourably Initially after invasion, Iraq responded favourably to efforts by Arab leaders to call for resolution of to efforts by Arab leaders to call for resolution of conflictconflict

Iraq agreed to withdraw from KuwaitIraq agreed to withdraw from Kuwait But it refused to allow ruling govt back into powerBut it refused to allow ruling govt back into power Saddam became defiant when Arab League voted Saddam became defiant when Arab League voted

to condemn his actionsto condemn his actions Saddam was unhappy about US troop build-up in Saddam was unhappy about US troop build-up in

Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia In response, Iraq declared its colonisation of In response, Iraq declared its colonisation of

Kuwait Kuwait

Was the use of force the only way to Was the use of force the only way to get Iraq out of Kuwait?get Iraq out of Kuwait?


Iraq declared that it would not withdraw Iraq declared that it would not withdraw from Kuwait as Kuwait was now officially a from Kuwait as Kuwait was now officially a part of Iraqpart of Iraq

Iraq started taking westerners in Iraq and Iraq started taking westerners in Iraq and Kuwait as hostages as more countries began Kuwait as hostages as more countries began joining coalition forcesjoining coalition forces

Hostages were taken to sensitive areas such Hostages were taken to sensitive areas such as military installations to be used as human as military installations to be used as human shields to deter coalition attacks shields to deter coalition attacks

Civilian POWCivilian POW

Civilian POWCivilian POW



Iraq insisted it would only release hostages if Iraq insisted it would only release hostages if coalition troops withdrew from Middle Eastcoalition troops withdrew from Middle East

Iraq released all women and children hostages after international criticism against Iraq grew

Diplomatic efforts secured release of rest of hostages a few months later

As thousands of American troops started As thousands of American troops started pouring into Saudi Arabia, Iraq showed pouring into Saudi Arabia, Iraq showed willingness to discuss Iraqi withdrawal from willingness to discuss Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait Kuwait



But Iraq placed pre-conditions to But Iraq placed pre-conditions to withdrawal:withdrawal:

a) Iraq wanted an end to sanctions a) Iraq wanted an end to sanctions against it.against it.

b) Full Iraqi control of the Rumaila oilfield b) Full Iraqi control of the Rumaila oilfield c) Guaranteed access to the Gulfc) Guaranteed access to the Gulf



US refused to accept any pre-conditions for US refused to accept any pre-conditions for Iraq’s withdrawal from KuwaitIraq’s withdrawal from Kuwait

UN gave Iraq deadline of 15 Jan 1991 to UN gave Iraq deadline of 15 Jan 1991 to withdraw its troops from Kuwaitwithdraw its troops from Kuwait

To prevent war, US arranged for a meeting To prevent war, US arranged for a meeting between Iraqi and US Secretary of State in between Iraqi and US Secretary of State in Geneva a few days before the deadlineGeneva a few days before the deadline

No resolution was reached at the meetingNo resolution was reached at the meeting UN Secretary General and France made another UN Secretary General and France made another

diplomatic effort to resolve conflict but faileddiplomatic effort to resolve conflict but failed


2.2. Impact of economic sanctionsImpact of economic sanctions Debate in UN if the use of force is necessary to Debate in UN if the use of force is necessary to

remove Iraq from Kuwaitremove Iraq from Kuwait Some felt economic sanctions could resolve crisisSome felt economic sanctions could resolve crisis But But full impact of sanctions can only be felt full impact of sanctions can only be felt

after a year or soafter a year or so US felt this was US felt this was too long a wait too long a wait to get Iraq out of to get Iraq out of

Kuwait. Kuwait. Sanctions will only work if all UN members Sanctions will only work if all UN members

adhered to themadhered to them Some might not for economic gains Some might not for economic gains Security Council voted to use force to remove Iraq Security Council voted to use force to remove Iraq

from Kuwaitfrom Kuwait


3.3. Outbreak of WarOutbreak of War When Iraq did not withdraw from Kuwait on Deadline (15 Jan When Iraq did not withdraw from Kuwait on Deadline (15 Jan

1991), military operations called Operation Desert Storm 1991), military operations called Operation Desert Storm beganbegan

Aim: To force Iraq out of KuwaitAim: To force Iraq out of Kuwait Coalition forces destroyed most of Iraqi command and control Coalition forces destroyed most of Iraqi command and control

capability through the aircapability through the air Strategic targets such as communication centres were Strategic targets such as communication centres were

destroyed destroyed Iraqi air force was crippled during bombing campaignIraqi air force was crippled during bombing campaign When coalition forces regained Kuwait City, ceasefire was When coalition forces regained Kuwait City, ceasefire was

calledcalled War officially ended (timeline pg 21) War officially ended (timeline pg 21)

What was the impact of the What was the impact of the Conflict?Conflict?

Impact = outcome / Impact = outcome / consequence / resultconsequence / result

What was the impact of the Conflict?What was the impact of the Conflict?

1.1. Impact on KuwaitisImpact on Kuwaitis

Thousands of Kuwaitis were killed Thousands of Kuwaitis were killed and/or tortured.and/or tortured.

Many buildings, houses were Many buildings, houses were destroyeddestroyed

Many Kuwaitis had to flee the KuwaitMany Kuwaitis had to flee the Kuwait Retreating Iraqis set fire to 600 of Retreating Iraqis set fire to 600 of

950 oil wells!!950 oil wells!! Damages in Kuwait amounted to Damages in Kuwait amounted to

USD25billion!USD25billion!


2. Impact on Iraqa) Destruction of Iraqi military capability

Before invasion, Iraq was a very strong military power in the Middle East

It had 1 million soldiers at its disposal By end of war, coalition forces had destroyed

one-third of Iraqi war machine Coalition forces had utilised state-of-the-art

weapons in their campaign against Iraqi troops

Tomahawk cruise missiles, F-14s and F-117 Stealth warplanes were used to destroy Iraqi air defence capability


2.2. Impact on IraqImpact on Iraqa) Destruction of Iraqi military capabilitya) Destruction of Iraqi military capability

Iraqi air force was unable to provide cover for Iraqi air force was unable to provide cover for their ground troopstheir ground troops

With coalition forces commanding air space, With coalition forces commanding air space, they carried out sustained bombing campaign they carried out sustained bombing campaign against Iraqi ground troopsagainst Iraqi ground troops

Heavy losses suffered by Iraqis during bombing campaign led to a loss of morale among remaining troops

Thousands of Thousands of Iraqi soldiers surrendered to to coalition forcescoalition forces


2.2. Impact on IraqImpact on Iraqa) Destruction of Iraqi military a) Destruction of Iraqi military capabilitycapability

Iraqi tanks, armoured vehicles, trucks and Iraqi tanks, armoured vehicles, trucks and troops fled allied attackstroops fled allied attacks

They formed long queues on main road north They formed long queues on main road north from Kuwait to southern Iraqi city of Basrafrom Kuwait to southern Iraqi city of Basra

Fleeing soldiers were bombed by coalition warplanes

Thousands of troops were killed in their vehicles during bombings

This road came to be known as the This road came to be known as the highway highway of deathof death



2.2. Impact on IraqImpact on Iraqb) Political instability in Iraqb) Political instability in Iraq

During Operation Desert Storm, During Operation Desert Storm, coalition leaders encouraged coalition leaders encouraged dissatisfied groups in Iraq to rise up dissatisfied groups in Iraq to rise up against their leaderagainst their leader

The Kurds rose up against Saddam Kurds have been fighting for homeland Kurds have been fighting for homeland

of their own of their own They had been brutally put down by They had been brutally put down by

Iraqi military several times Iraqi military several times


2.2. Impact on IraqImpact on Iraqb) Political instability in Iraqb) Political instability in Iraq

During Gulf War, Kurds rose up During Gulf War, Kurds rose up against Saddamagainst Saddam

They felt his power on the decline They felt his power on the decline after his defeatafter his defeat

Kurds also believed that coalition Kurds also believed that coalition forces would help them in their forces would help them in their effort to overthrow Iraqi leadereffort to overthrow Iraqi leader


2.2. Impact on IraqImpact on IraqBut coalition forces did not But coalition forces did not support these uprisingssupport these uprisings

Saddam dealt harshly with Saddam dealt harshly with these uprisings against him these uprisings against him

1000s of Kurds were massacred and 1 million Kurds left Iraq


2.2. Impact on IraqImpact on Iraqc) Suffering of Iraqisc) Suffering of Iraqis

At the start of Operation Desert Storm, coalition At the start of Operation Desert Storm, coalition warplanes conducted air raids on Iraqwarplanes conducted air raids on Iraq

Some of the bombings resulted in Some of the bombings resulted in destruction of large part of Iraqi infrastructure

Iraqi people suffered as they couldn’t carry ount Iraqi people suffered as they couldn’t carry ount their daily actvitiestheir daily actvities

Bombings destroyed Bombings destroyed electricity supply Water purification and sewage treatment

plant cant operate without electricity This led to This led to spread of diseases


3. 3. Regional and International Regional and International impactimpacta) Environmental catastrophea) Environmental catastrophe

Iraq realised it was losing battle against Iraq realised it was losing battle against coalition forcescoalition forces

Iraqi Iraqi forces set fire to Kuwaiti oil wells It dumped about It dumped about 11 million barrels of oil

into the Persian Gulf This led to This led to environmental catastrophe as

marine life was greatly threatened It also It also cost millions of dollars to put out to put out

fires and clear the oil slick from Persian Gulffires and clear the oil slick from Persian Gulf


3. 3. Regional and International Regional and International impactimpactb) Displacement of Foreign Workersb) Displacement of Foreign Workers

During time of Iraqi invasion, During time of Iraqi invasion, 2 million foreign workers from Bangladesh, India, Egypt, Philippines from Bangladesh, India, Egypt, Philippines and Palestine were working in Kuwaitand Palestine were working in Kuwait

These These workers fled Kuwait when war broke outwhen war broke out These workers were supporting large families back These workers were supporting large families back

homehome The The loss of income meant great suffering for

their families

End of Case StudyEnd of Case Study

Success of UN in Maintaining Success of UN in Maintaining

International Stability and Peace?International Stability and Peace?

Gulf War serves as good example of Gulf War serves as good example of capabilities of UN to gather its resources capabilities of UN to gather its resources to deter aggressionto deter aggression

But UN was unsuccessful in bringing But UN was unsuccessful in bringing peace and security to other troubled peace and security to other troubled areas of the worldareas of the world

The key difference in these tasks is The key difference in these tasks is involvement and support of 5 involvement and support of 5 permanent members of Security Councilpermanent members of Security Council

Success of UN in Maintaining Success of UN in Maintaining International Stability and Peace?International Stability and Peace?

Why did all permanent members of Security Council agree Why did all permanent members of Security Council agree to resolution against Iraq?to resolution against Iraq?

International conditions at that time International conditions at that time Cold War had ended Cold War had ended Russia and China did’nt vote against resolutions Russia and China did’nt vote against resolutions proposed by USproposed by USMajority of permanent members of Security Council Majority of permanent members of Security Council also had strong interest in oil supply from Middle East also had strong interest in oil supply from Middle East and were eager to support end of conflictand were eager to support end of conflictUN involvement in Gulf War gave war legitimacy which UN involvement in Gulf War gave war legitimacy which it might have lacked if US had decided to deal with Iraq it might have lacked if US had decided to deal with Iraq on its own on its own


Would UN have been successful in driving Iraq out of Would UN have been successful in driving Iraq out of Kuwait if the US had not been involved?Kuwait if the US had not been involved?

US had been crucial in gaining support of Security US had been crucial in gaining support of Security Council members to pass resolutionsCouncil members to pass resolutions

US rapidly assumed lead role in providing forces US rapidly assumed lead role in providing forces and aid to counter Iraqi aggression.and aid to counter Iraqi aggression.

The operation against Iraq involved a lot of troops The operation against Iraq involved a lot of troops and equipment. Only the larger western countries and equipment. Only the larger western countries had the troops, equipment and materials.had the troops, equipment and materials.

UN does not have an army of its own and won’t UN does not have an army of its own and won’t be able to field a large, well-trained and equipped be able to field a large, well-trained and equipped force to act on Iraq.force to act on Iraq.


Would UN have been successful in driving Iraq out of Would UN have been successful in driving Iraq out of Kuwait if the US had not been involved?Kuwait if the US had not been involved?

Strategic interests of US and other wealthy western Strategic interests of US and other wealthy western nations resulted in support for UN efforts against nations resulted in support for UN efforts against Iraq.Iraq.

Iraq-Kuwait conflict is an example of how a bilateral Iraq-Kuwait conflict is an example of how a bilateral conflict has the potential to affect not only the conflict has the potential to affect not only the region but also the world.region but also the world.

One reason why so many countries joined coalition One reason why so many countries joined coalition was because the conflict affected their interestswas because the conflict affected their interests

Oil prices jumped 15% in first few days of Iraqi Oil prices jumped 15% in first few days of Iraqi invasioninvasion

If the price of oil had continued to increase, it If the price of oil had continued to increase, it would have harmed their economieswould have harmed their economies

Iraq war

Education

kuwaitiraq recognised

national selfinterest

iraniraq war

important oil

middle east important

poorer countries

countries of bahrain

historical relationship