Iraq war

Managing Peace andManaging Peace and
Security:Regional andSecurity: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, SaudiKuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi
Arabia, Sudan, Turkey, United ArabArabia, Sudan, Turkey, United Arab
Emirates(UAE), and YemenEmirates(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 andOther religions are Christianity and
JudaismJudaism
 Countries in M.E. are widely differentCountries in M.E. are widely different
in their economic developmentin their economic development
 Richest countries in region have oilRichest countries in region have oil
reserves such as Saudi Arabia andreserves such as Saudi Arabia and
KuwaitKuwait

 Per capita income in rich countriesPer capita income in rich countries
can be as high as US$23 000can be as high as US$23 000
 In the poorer countries like SudanIn the poorer countries like Sudan
and Yemen, it can be as low asand Yemen, it can be as low as
US$800.US$800.
 Difference in income has led toDifference in income has led to
resentment among poorer countriesresentment among poorer countries
against their richer neighboursagainst their richer neighbours

Why is the Middle East Important?Why is the Middle East Important?
 M.E is very important to the world becauseM.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 PersianOil is found in countries around the Persian
GulfGulf
 These countries are referred to as the GulfThese countries are referred to as the Gulf
StatesStates
 They comprise Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait,They comprise Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait,
Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAEOman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE
 Most of them belong toMost of them belong to OPEC (OrganisationOPEC (Organisation
of Petroleum Exporting Countriesof Petroleum Exporting Countries
 Aim of OPEC:To stabilise oil prices byAim of OPEC:To stabilise oil prices by
controlling the amount of oil that itscontrolling the amount of oil that its
members can producemembers can produce

Why is the Middle EastWhy is the Middle East
Important?Important?
 M.E is important bec it controls a strategicM.E is important bec it controls a strategic
waterway known as the Suez Canal whichwaterway 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 forThis is an important trade route for
transporting goods and oil to other partstransporting goods and oil to other parts
of the world.of the world.
 Countries like USA and Russia are veryCountries like USA and Russia are very
concerned with development in MEconcerned with development in ME
because of its strategic importancebecause of its strategic importance

What was theWhat was the Historical RelationshipHistorical 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 BrKuwait was granted independence from the Br
in 1961in 1961
 Iraq refused to recognise Kuwait’sIraq refused to recognise Kuwait’s
independenceindependence
 It claimed that Kuwait was historically a partIt claimed that Kuwait was historically a part
of Iraq and governed under same territoryof Iraq and governed under same territory
during Ottoman ruleduring Ottoman rule
 Iraq had many times claimed sovereignty overIraq had many times claimed sovereignty over
Kuwait e.g. it sent troops to claim Kuwait inKuwait e.g. it sent troops to claim Kuwait in
19611961

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 toBr 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 KuwaitIn 1963, Iraq gave up its claim on Kuwait
as Arab neighbours pressurised it and Iraqas Arab neighbours pressurised it and Iraq
received a lot of $ from Kuwaitreceived a lot of $ from Kuwait
 Iraq recognised Kuwait as a sovereignIraq recognised Kuwait as a sovereign
countrycountry
 Iraq continued to threaten Kuwait withIraq continued to threaten Kuwait with
military power over border disputesmilitary power over border disputes

 Iraq and Kuwait had worked with one anotherIraq and Kuwait had worked with one another
in the pastin the past
 E.g during Iran-Iraq war in 1980s, KuwaitE.g during Iran-Iraq war in 1980s, Kuwait
helped Iraq by proving it with loan of US$14helped 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 byKuwait was worried over the threat posed by
Iran esp after Islamic Revolution in 1979Iran esp after Islamic Revolution in 1979
(Ayatollah Khomeini)(Ayatollah Khomeini)
 Countries in M.E. were worried that thisCountries in M.E. were worried that this
revolution would lead to rise ofrevolution would lead to rise of
fundamentalism in regionfundamentalism in region

What worsened the RelationshipWhat worsened the Relationship
between Iraq and Kuwaitbetween Iraq and Kuwait??
1.1. Economic Problems in IraqEconomic 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 warIraq’s economy was ruined by the Iran-Iraq war
and many lives were lostand many lives were lost
 Iraq owed US$80 billionIraq owed US$80 billion in debts to itsin 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 warUS and Fr supplied it with food and war
equipmentequipment
 Reconstruction of Iraq after war alsoReconstruction of Iraq after war also
required US$230 billionrequired US$230 billion
 Iraq had to find ways to pay off the debt andIraq had to find ways to pay off the debt and
also rebuild the countryalso rebuild the country

2.2. Oil ProductionOil Production
 Iraq wanted to pay off debt by earningIraq wanted to pay off debt by earning
more revenue from sale of oilmore revenue from sale of oil
 But oil prices were falling because ofBut oil prices were falling because of
over-production by some countriesover-production by some countries
 OPEC (Organisation of theOPEC (Organisation of the
Petroleum Exporting Countries)Petroleum Exporting Countries)
placed quota on amount of oil memberplaced quota on amount of oil member
countries could produce to preventcountries could produce to prevent
further fall in pricesfurther fall in prices

2.2. Oil ProductionOil Production
 Kuwait and UAE ignored quota set andKuwait and UAE ignored quota set and
produced oil above assigned limitsproduced oil above assigned limits
 This caused oil prices toThis caused oil prices to fall from US$18 tofall 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 oilIraq lost a lot of revenue due to fall in oil
pricesprices
 ItIt lost US$1 billion from oillost US$1 billion from oil sales each timesales each time
oil price felloil price fell
 Iraq felt that action of Kuwait and UAE wasIraq felt that action of Kuwait and UAE was
same assame as waging economic war on Iraqwaging economic war on Iraq asas
90% of its income came from sale of oil90% of its income came from sale of oil

3.3. Dispute over TerritoryDispute over Territory
 Territorial dispute was anotherTerritorial dispute was another
area of tensionarea of tension
 Iraq and Kuwait inherited theirIraq and Kuwait inherited their
borders from Britainborders from Britain
 These borders were not well-These borders were not well-
defined and continued to createdefined and continued to create
problems for both sides afterproblems for both sides after
independence from Britainindependence from Britain

 Rumaila OilfieldRumaila Oilfield
– The unclearly-defined borders betweenThe unclearly-defined borders between
Iraq and Kuwait had resulted in bothIraq and Kuwait had resulted in both
sides sharing a profitable oilfield, thesides sharing a profitable oilfield, the
Rumaila OilfieldRumaila Oilfield
– In 1990, Iraq accused Kuwait of stealingIn 1990, Iraq accused Kuwait of stealing
oil by drilling for oil from Iraqi sideoil by drilling for oil from Iraqi side
using slant-drilling technologyusing slant-drilling technology whichwhich
Kuwait had purchased earlier.Kuwait had purchased earlier.

 Rumaila OilfieldRumaila Oilfield
– However, Kuwait insisted it had taken oilHowever, Kuwait insisted it had taken oil
only from its side of oilfieldonly from its side of oilfield
– Iraq demanded that Kuwaitis stop drillingIraq demanded that Kuwaitis stop drilling
for oil from the Rumaila oilfield completelyfor oil from the Rumaila oilfield completely
– Iraqis also demandedIraqis also demanded US$2.4 billion inUS$2.4 billion in
compensationcompensation for the oil that Kuwait hadfor the oil that Kuwait had
supposedly taken from the oilfieldsupposedly taken from the oilfield
– Kuwait refused as it claimed that it had onlyKuwait refused as it claimed that it had only
drilled oil from their side of the oilfielddrilled oil from their side of the oilfield

 Bubiyan and WarbahBubiyan and Warbah IslandIsland
– Iraq isIraq is land lockedland locked
– Umm Qasr, its only port is shallow andUmm Qasr, its only port is shallow and
big ships cant dock at the portbig ships cant dock at the port
– So Iraq isSo Iraq is unable to transport its oilunable to transport its oil
in large quantitiesin large quantities
– Port facilities at Umm Qasr werePort facilities at Umm Qasr were
destroyed during Iraq’s war with Irandestroyed during Iraq’s war with Iran

 Bubiyan and Warbah IslandBubiyan and Warbah Island
– Iraq also had dispute with Kuwait overIraq 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 ownershipIraq was unhappy with Kuwait’s ownership
of the island as they were strategicallyof the island as they were strategically
located off the Iraqi port of Umm Qasrlocated off the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr
– HenceHence Kuwait had potential to block offKuwait had potential to block off
Iraq’s access to the Gulf, which wouldIraq’s access to the Gulf, which would
affect Iraq’s oil transportationaffect Iraq’s oil transportation

– Iraq didn’t accept Kuwait’s ownership ofIraq didn’t accept Kuwait’s ownership of
these 2 islandsthese 2 islands
– It attempted to use force to claimIt 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 leaseIraq wanted to lease
islands from Kuwait but bothislands from Kuwait but both
countries failed to reach suitablecountries failed to reach suitable
agreementagreement

– Kuwait refused to lease the 2 islandsKuwait refused to lease the 2 islands
– It feared it would cause furtherIt feared it would cause further
territorial demands from Iraqterritorial demands from Iraq

Managing Peace andManaging Peace and
Security:Regional andSecurity: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 Iraq
Oil Production
Dispute 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 War
Persian Gulf War
Operation Desert Storm
Operation Desert Shield (in Saudi Arabia)

Were there attempts to resolve theWere 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 againstIraq made several complaints against
Kuwait to the Arab LeagueKuwait to the Arab League
– Complaints include alleged theft of oilComplaints include alleged theft of oil
from Rumaila oilfieldfrom Rumaila oilfield
– Iraq also wanted Kuwait and the rest ofIraq also wanted Kuwait and the rest of
Arab countries to write off its war-timeArab countries to write off its war-time
debts as Iraq’s war with Iran had been fordebts 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’sSaudi Arabia had already cancelled Iraq’s
debt as it knew that it was impossible fordebt as it knew that it was impossible for
Iraq to repay.Iraq to repay.

– Arab countries tried to resolve problemArab countries tried to resolve problem
between Iraq and Kuwait amidst mountingbetween Iraq and Kuwait amidst mounting
tensiontension
– E.g. over-production of oilE.g. over-production of oil
– Kuwait and UAE earlier refused to lower oilKuwait and UAE earlier refused to lower oil
production levelproduction level
– Eventually they gave in to combined pressureEventually they gave in to combined pressure
from Saudi, Iranian and Iraqi pressurefrom 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 KuwaitBut Iraq claimed that it had info that Kuwait
did not intend to adhere to these quotas fordid not intend to adhere to these quotas for
longlong

– Arab League organised dialogueArab League organised dialogue
session bet Iraq and Kuwait to discusssession bet Iraq and Kuwait to discuss
territorial issueterritorial issue
– During dialogue, Iraqis assured ArabDuring dialogue, Iraqis assured Arab
League mediator that they wouldLeague mediator that they would
continue negotiations on issuecontinue negotiations on issue
– Iraq denied it was building up forces atIraq denied it was building up forces at
the borderthe border

Were attempts successful?Were attempts successful?
 Negotiations between Iraq and Kuwait wereNegotiations between Iraq and Kuwait were
going on well.going on well.
 OPEC Ministers had agreed to raise oil prices toOPEC 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 moreThis is to ensure that Iraq would earn more
money from the sale of oil for its reconstructionmoney 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 offKuwait agreed to write off
Iraq’s wartime debt and to provide additionalIraq’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 KuwaitBut Iraq walked out of talks when Kuwait
refused to give in to any territorial demandsrefused 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 resumeThey expected talks to resume
during later meeting scheduled on 4during later meeting scheduled on 4
Aug 1990.Aug 1990.
 But in early hours of Aug 1990, IraqBut 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 reprimandedAt meeting of Arab League, Iraq reprimanded
Kuwait for driving down oil prices and stealingKuwait 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 ofcharging 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 toIraq reprimanded Kuwait for looking to
foreigners like US to settle issue.foreigners like US to settle issue.
Iraq signalled its willingness to seek an ArabIraq signalled its willingness to seek an Arab
diplomatic solution.diplomatic solution.
27-28 July27-28 July
19901990
OPEC Ministers met at Geneva and agreed toOPEC 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 oilThey also agreed to strictly enforce OPEC oil
quotasquotas
In theIn the
MeantimeMeantime
Iraq continued amassing troops at Kuwait tillIraq continued amassing troops at Kuwait till
Aug 1990.Aug 1990.

Events Leading to the Invasion of KuwaitEvents Leading to the Invasion of Kuwait
1 Aug1 Aug
19901990
Kuwait agreed to discuss Iraq’s warKuwait agreed to discuss Iraq’s war
debtdebt
Kuwait refused to concede anyKuwait refused to concede any
territory or pay for oil that Iraqterritory or pay for oil that Iraq
claimed that Kuwait had stolen fromclaimed that Kuwait had stolen from
Rumaila oilfield.Rumaila oilfield.
2 Aug2 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 have16 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 ofKuwait fell to Iraq within 12 hrs of
invasioninvasion
 Iraqi army moved towards Saudi ArabianIraqi army moved towards Saudi Arabian
border and stationed themselves thereborder 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 makingSeen as a ploy to force Kuwait into making
concessions to Iraqconcessions to Iraq
 Why did Iraq invade Kuwait whenWhy 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 goneIraqi govt claimed it had gone
in atin at request of revolutionariesrequest of revolutionaries
to free Kuwait from ruling govtto free Kuwait from ruling govt
 Iraq warned other countries notIraq warned other countries not
to interfere,to interfere, threatening to killthreatening to kill
KuwaitisKuwaitis if they didif they did

2.2. Saddam Hussein’s leadershipSaddam Hussein’s leadership
 Saddam Hussein saw himself as a greatSaddam Hussein saw himself as a great
leader of Arab worldleader of Arab world
 Kuwait’s repeated refusal to give in toKuwait’s repeated refusal to give in to
Iraq’s demands were seen as defiance andIraq’s demands were seen as defiance and
personal attack on himpersonal attack on him
 Saddam was worried there would beSaddam was worried there would be
uprising against him in Iraq by Shi’auprising against him in Iraq by Shi’a
MuslimsMuslims
 Shi’a Muslims form majority in IraqShi’a Muslims form majority in Iraq
 Iran-Iraq war had left Iraqi economyIran-Iraq war had left Iraqi economy
devastateddevastated
 Iraq people didn’t think war with Iran wasIraq people didn’t think war with Iran was
successful unlike what Saddam claimed.successful unlike what Saddam claimed.

2.2. Saddam Hussein’sSaddam 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 armyIraqi govt built up a large army
numbering 1 million personnel duringnumbering 1 million personnel during
warwar
 Saddam feared Iraqi army would turnSaddam feared Iraqi army would turn
against him if situation in Iraq didn’tagainst him if situation in Iraq didn’t
improve.improve.

3.3. Misreading the position of theMisreading the position of the
US (US (misunderstood US’smisunderstood US’s
intentionsintentions))
 Before invasion, Saddam met with AmericanBefore invasion, Saddam met with American
ambassador to discuss problems Iraq had withambassador to discuss problems Iraq had with
KuwaitKuwait
 From meeting, Saddam thought AmericansFrom meeting, Saddam thought Americans
were sympathetic to Iraq’s situationwere 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 noThis made Saddam think there would be no
severe consequencessevere consequences

International OutcryInternational Outcry
 There were many response to theThere 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 theWhich one do you think cause the
most damage to the Iraq people?most damage to the Iraq people?

What were the reactions to theWhat 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

invasion?invasion?
1.1. Fear of Iraqi DominanceFear of Iraqi Dominance
 Access to vast amounts of oilAccess to vast amounts of oil
would enable Iraq to set highwould enable Iraq to set high
price for oil and solve Iraq’sprice for oil and solve Iraq’s
economic problemseconomic problems
 This would create problems forThis would create problems for
world economyworld economy
 Saudi Arabia knew that theirSaudi Arabia knew that their
armed forces would be no matcharmed forces would be no match
for Iraq’s larger and morefor Iraq’s larger and more
experienced armyexperienced army

invasion?invasion?

invasion?invasion?
2.2. The “Arab Solution”The “Arab Solution”
 Arab countries were not interested inArab countries were not interested in
having a western response to crisishaving a western response to crisis
 They didn’t want a return of westernThey didn’t want a return of western
imperialism in the Middle Eastimperialism in the Middle East
 Kuwaiti officials appealed to Arab LeagueKuwaiti officials appealed to Arab League
to organise a joint force to counter theto organise a joint force to counter the
Iraqi invasion as well as to condemn itsIraqi invasion as well as to condemn its
actionsactions

invasion?invasion?
2.2. The “Arab Solution”The “Arab Solution”
 Arab League responded by voting toArab League responded by voting to
condemn Iraqi actionscondemn Iraqi actions
 Arab League called upon Iraq toArab 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 support8 Arab League members didn’t support
the votethe vote
 League was unable to deal effectivelyLeague was unable to deal effectively
with the crisis as its members werewith the crisis as its members were
divided on their responses to thedivided on their responses to the
invasioninvasion

invasion?invasion?
3.3. American ResponseAmerican Response
 Large number of Iraqi soldiers were at Saudi’sLarge number of Iraqi soldiers were at Saudi’s
borderborder
 Saudi Arabia officially invited US to help defendSaudi 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 shipsUS responded by deploying soldiers, navy ships
and planes to defend Saudi Kingdomand planes to defend Saudi Kingdom
 This operation was named OperationThis operation was named Operation
Desert ShieldDesert Shield
 Britain, France and members of the ArabBritain, France and members of the Arab
League later decided to send troops to help USLeague later decided to send troops to help US
defend Saudi Arabia and get Iraq out of Kuwaitdefend Saudi Arabia and get Iraq out of Kuwait

invasion?invasion?
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 economicIraq after the invasion would have economic
and military powerand military power
 This might make Iraq arrogant to intimidateThis might make Iraq arrogant to intimidate
and coerce its neighbours who control theand 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 importantUSA felt it cant allow such an important
resource to be controlled by just oneresource to be controlled by just one
countrycountry

invasion?invasion?
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 helpUS 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 CouncilUN Security Council passed unanimouspassed unanimous
resolution demanding immediate Iraqiresolution demanding immediate Iraqi
withdrawal from Kuwaitwithdrawal from Kuwait
 It also called for 2 countries to begin immediateIt also called for 2 countries to begin immediate
and intensive negotiations for resolution ofand intensive negotiations for resolution of
differencesdifferences
 Kuwaiti and Iraqi assets worldwide wereKuwaiti and Iraqi assets worldwide were
frozenfrozen
 This is to prevent Iraq from making use of theThis is to prevent Iraq from making use of the
funds.funds.

invasion?invasion?
4.4. International ResponseInternational Response
 Economic and military sanctions were used toEconomic and military sanctions were used to
force Iraq out of Kuwait.force Iraq out of Kuwait.
 Economic sanctionsEconomic sanctions were meant to inflictwere meant to inflict
heavy toll on Iraqheavy toll on Iraq
 Iraq would’nt be able to earn money from itsIraq would’nt be able to earn money from its
sale of oilsale of oil
 No country was allowed to sell goods to IraqNo 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 itsThis was important as Iraq imported 90% of its
goods from overseas, including food productsgoods from overseas, including food products

Recap 1Recap 1
What worsened theWhat worsened the
relationship betweenrelationship between
Iraq & Kuwait?Iraq & Kuwait?
 Economic ProblemsEconomic Problems
 Oil ProductionOil Production
 Dispute over territoryDispute over territory
– Rumaila OilfieldRumaila Oilfield
– Bubiyan Island and warbah IslandsBubiyan Island and warbah Islands

Recap 2Recap 2
What were the 3 reasonsWhat were the 3 reasons
for Saddam’s invasion?for Saddam’s invasion?
 Free the Kuwaiti people from currentFree the Kuwaiti people from current
(bad) ruling govt(bad) ruling govt
 Saddam’s own leadership (fear ofSaddam’s own leadership (fear of
uprising against him by Shi’auprising against him by Shi’a
Muslims)Muslims)
 Wrongly thought that US wasWrongly thought that US was
sympathetic to Iraq’s problemssympathetic to Iraq’s problems

Recap 3Recap 3
What FOUR reactions wereWhat 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 theArab Solution – divided response to the
invasion. Not all countries were bold enoughinvasion. Not all countries were bold enough
to condemn the action.to condemn the action.
 American response – Operation DesertAmerican response – Operation Desert
ShieldShield
 Int’l response – UN Security Council passedInt’l response – UN Security Council passed
resolution to freeze Iraq’s assets andresolution to freeze Iraq’s assets and
imposed economic & military sanctionsimposed economic & military sanctions

Was the use of force the onlyWas 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 onlyWas 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 diplomaticIraq’s response to diplomatic
attemptsattempts
 Initially after invasion, Iraq responded favourablyInitially after invasion, Iraq responded favourably
to efforts by Arab leaders to call for resolution ofto 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 votedSaddam became defiant when Arab League voted
to condemn his actionsto condemn his actions
 Saddam was unhappy about US troop build-up inSaddam was unhappy about US troop build-up in
Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia
 In response, Iraq declared its colonisation ofIn response, Iraq declared its colonisation of
KuwaitKuwait

Was the use of force the only way toWas the use of force the only way to
get Iraq out of Kuwait?get Iraq out of Kuwait?
attemptsattempts
 Iraq declared that it would not withdrawIraq declared that it would not withdraw
from Kuwait as Kuwait was now officially afrom Kuwait as Kuwait was now officially a
part of Iraqpart of Iraq
 Iraq started taking westerners in Iraq andIraq started taking westerners in Iraq and
Kuwait as hostages as more countries beganKuwait as hostages as more countries began
joining coalition forcesjoining coalition forces
 Hostages were taken to sensitive areas suchHostages were taken to sensitive areas such
as military installations to be used as humanas military installations to be used as human
shields to deter coalition attacksshields to deter coalition attacks

attemptsattempts
 Iraq insisted it would only release hostages ifIraq 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 startedAs thousands of American troops started
pouring into Saudi Arabia, Iraq showedpouring into Saudi Arabia, Iraq showed
willingness to discuss Iraqi withdrawal fromwillingness to discuss Iraqi withdrawal from
KuwaitKuwait

attemptsattempts
 But Iraq placed pre-conditions toBut Iraq placed pre-conditions to
withdrawal:withdrawal:
a) Iraq wanted an end to sanctionsa) Iraq wanted an end to sanctions
against it.against it.
b) Full Iraqi control of the Rumaila oilfieldb) Full Iraqi control of the Rumaila oilfield
c) Guaranteed access to the Gulfc) Guaranteed access to the Gulf

attemptsattempts
 US refused to accept any pre-conditions forUS refused to accept any pre-conditions for
Iraq’s withdrawal from KuwaitIraq’s withdrawal from Kuwait
 UN gave Iraq deadline of 15 Jan 1991 toUN gave Iraq deadline of 15 Jan 1991 to
withdraw its troops from Kuwaitwithdraw its troops from Kuwait
 To prevent war, US arranged for a meetingTo prevent war, US arranged for a meeting
between Iraqi and US Secretary of State inbetween 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 anotherUN 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 toDebate 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
 ButBut full impact of sanctions can only be feltfull impact of sanctions can only be felt
after a year or soafter a year or so
 US felt this wasUS felt this was too long a waittoo long a wait to get Iraq out ofto get Iraq out of
Kuwait.Kuwait.
 Sanctions will only work if all UN membersSanctions will only work if all UN members
adhered to themadhered to them
 Some might not for economic gainsSome might not for economic gains
 Security Council voted to use force to remove IraqSecurity 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 JanWhen Iraq did not withdraw from Kuwait on Deadline (15 Jan
1991), military operations called Operation Desert Storm1991), 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 controlCoalition forces destroyed most of Iraqi command and control
capability through the aircapability through the air
 Strategic targets such as communication centres wereStrategic targets such as communication centres were
destroyeddestroyed
 Iraqi air force was crippled during bombing campaignIraqi air force was crippled during bombing campaign
 When coalition forces regained Kuwait City, ceasefire wasWhen 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 theWhat 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 killedThousands of Kuwaitis were killed
and/or tortured.and/or tortured.
 Many buildings, houses wereMany buildings, houses were
destroyeddestroyed
 Many Kuwaitis had to flee the KuwaitMany Kuwaitis had to flee the Kuwait
 Retreating Iraqis set fire to 600 ofRetreating Iraqis set fire to 600 of
950 oil wells!!950 oil wells!!
 Damages in Kuwait amounted toDamages in Kuwait amounted to
USD25billion!USD25billion!

2. Impact on Iraq
a) 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 Iraq
a) Destruction of Iraqi military capabilitya) Destruction of Iraqi military capability
 Iraqi air force was unable to provide cover forIraqi 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 campaignthey 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 ofThousands of Iraqi soldiers surrendered toto
coalition forcescoalition forces

a) Destruction of Iraqi militarya) Destruction of Iraqi military
capabilitycapability
 Iraqi tanks, armoured vehicles, trucks andIraqi tanks, armoured vehicles, trucks and
troops fled allied attackstroops fled allied attacks
 They formed long queues on main road northThey 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 theThis road came to be known as the highwayhighway
of deathof death

b) Political instability in Iraqb) Political instability in Iraq
 During Operation Desert Storm,During Operation Desert Storm,
coalition leaders encouragedcoalition leaders encouraged
dissatisfied groups in Iraq to rise updissatisfied groups in Iraq to rise up
against their leaderagainst their leader
 The Kurds rose up against Saddam
 Kurds have been fighting for homelandKurds have been fighting for homeland
of their ownof their own
 They had been brutally put down byThey had been brutally put down by
Iraqi military several timesIraqi military several times

b) Political instability in Iraqb) Political instability in Iraq
 During Gulf War, Kurds rose upDuring Gulf War, Kurds rose up
against Saddamagainst Saddam
 They felt his power on the declineThey felt his power on the decline
after his defeatafter his defeat
 Kurds also believed that coalitionKurds also believed that coalition
forces would help them in theirforces would help them in their
effort to overthrow Iraqi leadereffort to overthrow Iraqi leader

But coalition forces did notBut coalition forces did not
support these uprisingssupport these uprisings
 Saddam dealt harshly withSaddam dealt harshly with
these uprisings against himthese uprisings against him
 1000s of Kurds were
massacred and 1 million
Kurds left Iraq

c) Suffering of Iraqisc) Suffering of Iraqis
 At the start of Operation Desert Storm, coalitionAt the start of Operation Desert Storm, coalition
warplanes conducted air raids on Iraqwarplanes conducted air raids on Iraq
 Some of the bombings resulted inSome of the bombings resulted in destruction
of large part of Iraqi infrastructure
 Iraqi people suffered as they couldn’t carry ountIraqi people suffered as they couldn’t carry ount
their daily actvitiestheir daily actvities
 Bombings destroyedBombings destroyed electricity supply
 Water purification and sewage treatment
plant cant operate without electricity
 This led toThis led to spread of diseases

3.3. Regional and InternationalRegional and International
impactimpact
a) Environmental catastrophea) Environmental catastrophe
 Iraq realised it was losing battle againstIraq realised it was losing battle against
coalition forcescoalition forces
 IraqiIraqi forces set fire to Kuwaiti oil wells
 It dumped aboutIt dumped about 11 million barrels of oil
into the Persian Gulf
 This led toThis led to environmental catastrophe as
marine life was greatly threatened
 It alsoIt also cost millions of dollars to put outto put out
fires and clear the oil slick from Persian Gulffires and clear the oil slick from Persian Gulf

3.3. Regional and InternationalRegional and International
impactimpact
b) 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, Philippinesfrom Bangladesh, India, Egypt, Philippines
and Palestine were working in Kuwaitand Palestine were working in Kuwait
 TheseThese workers fled Kuwait when war broke outwhen war broke out
 These workers were supporting large families backThese workers were supporting large families back
homehome
 TheThe loss of income meant great suffering for
their families

End of Case StudyEnd of Case Study

Success of UN in MaintainingSuccess of UN in Maintaining
International Stability and Peace?International Stability and Peace?
 Gulf War serves as good example ofGulf War serves as good example of
capabilities of UN to gather its resourcescapabilities of UN to gather its resources
to deter aggressionto deter aggression
 But UN was unsuccessful in bringingBut UN was unsuccessful in bringing
peace and security to other troubledpeace and security to other troubled
areas of the worldareas of the world
 The key difference in these tasks isThe key difference in these tasks is
involvement and support of 5involvement and support of 5
permanent members of Security Councilpermanent members of Security Council

Why did all permanent members of Security Council agreeWhy did all permanent members of Security Council agree
to resolution against Iraq?to resolution against Iraq?
International conditions at that timeInternational conditions at that time
Cold War had endedCold War had ended
Russia and China did’nt vote against resolutionsRussia and China did’nt vote against resolutions
proposed by USproposed by US
Majority of permanent members of Security CouncilMajority of permanent members of Security Council
also had strong interest in oil supply from Middle Eastalso had strong interest in oil supply from Middle East
and were eager to support end of conflictand were eager to support end of conflict
UN involvement in Gulf War gave war legitimacy whichUN involvement in Gulf War gave war legitimacy which
it might have lacked if US had decided to deal with Iraqit might have lacked if US had decided to deal with Iraq
on its ownon its own

Would UN have been successful in driving Iraq out ofWould 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 SecurityUS had been crucial in gaining support of Security
Council members to pass resolutionsCouncil members to pass resolutions
 US rapidly assumed lead role in providing forcesUS 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 troopsThe operation against Iraq involved a lot of troops
and equipment. Only the larger western countriesand 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’tUN does not have an army of its own and won’t
be able to field a large, well-trained and equippedbe 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 ofWould 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 westernStrategic interests of US and other wealthy western
nations resulted in support for UN efforts againstnations resulted in support for UN efforts against
Iraq.Iraq.
 Iraq-Kuwait conflict is an example of how a bilateralIraq-Kuwait conflict is an example of how a bilateral
conflict has the potential to affect not only theconflict 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 coalitionOne 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 IraqiOil prices jumped 15% in first few days of Iraqi
invasioninvasion
 If the price of oil had continued to increase, itIf the price of oil had continued to increase, it
would have harmed their economieswould have harmed their economies

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