The Commencement of the Gulf War- Unveiling the Start Date of this Pivotal Conflict
When did the Gulf War start? This pivotal conflict, which took place from August 2, 1990, to February 28, 1991, was a defining moment in the modern history of the Middle East. The war began when Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, invaded and occupied Kuwait, a neighboring oil-rich nation. This act of aggression sparked international concern and led to a coalition of forces, led by the United States, being mobilized to liberate Kuwait and restore its sovereignty.
The roots of the conflict can be traced back to the late 1980s, when tensions between Iraq and Kuwait escalated over oil production and trade. Saddam Hussein accused Kuwait of overproducing oil, causing prices to plummet and negatively impacting Iraq’s economy, which was already burdened by the cost of the Iran-Iraq War. When diplomatic efforts failed to resolve the dispute, Iraq launched a surprise attack on Kuwait on August 2, 1990.
The invasion of Kuwait was met with immediate international condemnation. The United Nations Security Council passed resolutions demanding Iraq’s withdrawal from Kuwait and imposing economic sanctions. However, Saddam Hussein remained defiant, leading to the formation of a multinational coalition under the leadership of the United States. This coalition included troops from 35 countries, including the United Kingdom, France, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
The war began with an air campaign, dubbed Operation Desert Shield, which aimed to establish a no-fly zone over Kuwait and southern Iraq. This phase of the conflict lasted from August 1990 to January 1991. The air campaign was successful in weakening Iraq’s military capabilities and protecting the civilian population. However, the liberation of Kuwait was not achieved until the ground offensive, Operation Desert Storm, began on January 17, 1991.
The ground offensive was marked by intense combat and resulted in the liberation of Kuwait on February 26, 1991. The coalition forces managed to push Iraqi troops out of Kuwait and restore the country’s sovereignty. The war ended with a cease-fire on February 28, 1991. The Gulf War had a profound impact on the region, leading to the establishment of a more robust international response to acts of aggression and marking the beginning of a new era in the Middle East.
In conclusion, the Gulf War started on August 2, 1990, when Iraq invaded Kuwait. This conflict had far-reaching consequences, reshaping the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and setting the stage for future conflicts in the region. The swift and decisive action taken by the international community to liberate Kuwait demonstrated the importance of collective security and the willingness to intervene in the face of aggression.
