Gulf War Essay, Research Paper
The United States of America was justified in taking a dominate military role in the Persian Gulf crisis. This role was justified due to Saddam Husseins invasion of Kuwait, the threat of chemical warfare and the encouragement of the United States Congress and the United Nations Security Council. This conflict grew out of tension over oil, with Iraq claming that Kuwait was pumping oil from a field on the Iraq – Kuwait border and not sharing the profit that arose from this field. In the beginning, Americans and the world only assumed at worst the Iraqi s would seize the border to intimidate Kuwait into settling their differences. What happen was a different story with the Western world stepping into what Saddam Hussein himself called, the mother of all battles.
Saddam Hussein had given his word to both Egypt s President and Saudi Arbia s King Fahd that he would not invade the neighboring country of Kuwait. However his word turned out to be just a smokescreen for the planned invasion. This bluff along with Saddam s treatment of the Kuwait citizens and Kuwait s poor military protection were all reasons why the United States was justified in its military actions. Saddam had told, the American ambassador to Baghdad, April Glaspie that he would not resort to force as long as negotiations were proceeding to resolve a recently renewed border dispute with Kuwait 1 On July 27, a United States satellite saw Iraqi trucks carting supplies towards troops that were gathering on the Iraq – Kuwait border. Kuwait still did not believe that an invasion was possible even after the Americans told them, four days before the invasion, that the Iraq forces on the border appeared to be in battle formation and been issued ammunition. 2. At this point, Saudi Arbia s King Fahd, telephoned Saddam and sent his foreign minister to Baghdad, but Saddam assured them that his troops were merely conducting seasonal exercises 3 Yet on August 2, many people in Kuwait awakened to distant explosions and then twelve hours after it began, Saddam controlled the airport, the central bank, the radio and television station and all key government buildings 4. So much for his word. Saddam used gruesome tactics in his treatment of the people of Kuwait. For example, in one case, sixty-seven women an children who had sought shelter in a cave to escape artillery shelling were knowingly incinerated 5 There were stories of looting, rape, torture and executions. There were stories of a man who disappeared one day only to turn up the next day with his head wrapped in the Kuwaiti flag and they had fired three bullets into his skull 6 Kuwait as a country was not prepared for the invasion. The size of the military was estimated at somewhere between 16,000 to 20,000 troops. Only about 90 out of the 200 tanks that the country owned were operation, the rest were in storage, in training or undergoing repairs. 7 The Kuwaiti military was outnumbered 26 to 1 and by 11 am on the day of the invasion the foreign minister received a call from the military compound that Kuwait was lost; these message was, Say good-bye to Kuwait. We ve run out of ammunition. 8
The threat of chemical warfare was a real concern during the gulf crisis. Two reasons for the concern was the stockpile and production of the chemical weapons along with the stockpile of nuclear weapons Saddam was rumored to have. There were also orders for these chemical weapons to be used but they never were. The production of chemical weapons started as early as the 1970 s when Iraq asked for help in building, what they called a pesticide plant. 9 This pesticide plant was used to make four toxic chemicals that were similar to those chemicals in nerve gas. By 1990, analysts agreed that Iraq was capable of producing more than 1,000 tons of chemical agents a year. 10 Iraq was said to have been trying to develop warheads to place on its extended – range Scud missles. 11 After Iraq invaded Kuwait, there was talk and expectations that Saddam may unleash chemical weapons 12 Another concern was the building of nuclear weapons. By 1981, Saddam had acquired some nuclear fuel and this increased his taste for the ability to be a nuclear power. He began to approach other country to buy compointants that would help continue his nuclear program. Over the years this included gas furnaces that could be used in the production of the nuclear – weapons production. At the beginning of the Gulf war, George Bush made it clear that he intended to knock out Saddam Hussein s nuclear bomb potential. 13 The allied forces were prepared to encounter the chemical weapons, they went to battle with, bulky protective suits, gloves, boots, and antidote syringes. 14 Reports had shown that Saddam ordered his military to imploy chemical weapons when the ground troops advanced on them however, Saddam never carried out his threat to use chemicals. There are theories on why these weapons were not used, one of these being that the ground war came and went so quickly that Iraqis never had an opportunity to use them 15 Whatever the reason, the American s announced on the first day of the cease-fire that, Saddam no longer poised a military threat 16 and that Iraq s capability to manufacture nuclear weapons had been neutralized 17
On January 12, 1991, the United States Congress voted in favor of giving President George Bush the authority to go to war to liberate Kuwait from Iraq. This vote came after many Resolutions were passed by the United Nations that condemned the invasion of Kuwait, and because Resolution 678 of the United Nation Security Council was ignored by Iraq. The United Nations began to pass resolutions that condemned Iraq s behavior on August 2, 1990. The first resolution was Resolution 660, and it called for the immediate, unconditional withdrawal of Iraqi troops from Kuwait. 18 The United Nations and the Security Council continued into the month passing resolutions like Resolution 661 which ordered a global embargo of trade with Iraq 19 and Resolution 665 which, authorized the force by Western navies to enforce sanctions. 20 Other resolutions include demands for the release of foreigners from Iraq and Kuwait, and the declaration that Iraq s annexation of Kuwait was null and void. On November 29, 1990, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 678, which authorized the use of force against Iraq if it does not withdraw from Kuwait by January 15. 21 This resolution passed by a margin of 12 to 2, and it gave Saddam Hussein and Iraq a six- week deadline to withdraw from Kuwait. The Security Council also used the resolution to make the statement that they would use all necessary means to restore international peace and security in the area 22 This resolution opened the door for the United States Congress to give their vote of confidence and authority to President Bush to go to war. With the backing of Congress and the deadline for withdraw nearing, the United States forces assembled and readied themselves to provide the necessary military might to enforce the U.N. resolutions. 23 However, on January 15.1991, the deadline for withdraw of troops from Kuwait expires at midnight without any retraction of the Iraqi troops.
In the end, Operation Desert Storm began on schedule, unleasing a hail of bombs and missles and dashing the hopes for a peaceful solution of the Gulf crisis. 24 Iraq stood alone in the fight up agaisnt the United States who had assembled a coalition of 28 countries. The Gulf war employed over a half a million American soldiers during the 100 hour attack on Iraq. The Americans were justified in taking a dominate military role because of the Iraqi invasion into Kuwait. This reason along with Saddam Hussein s threat of chemical warfare and the backing of the United States Congress and the United nations Security Council, proves that stepping into the fight to end the aggression was the right thing for the Americans to do. In the end, on February 27, 1991, United States President, George Bush declared a cease-fire and stated that Iraq had been defeated and Kuwait had been liberated. He then gave the American people and the world a remark that justified the involvement in the crisis. He said, We declared that the aggression against Kuwait would not stand and tonight America and the world have kept their promise. 25
ENDNOTES
1) Elaine Sciolino, The Outlaw State, pg. 207
2) ibdi, pg.208
3) ibdi, pg.208
4) ibdi, pg.211
5) Judith Miller, Saddam Hussein And The Crisis In The Gulf, pg. 5
6) ibdi, pg. 212
7) Elaine Sciolino, The Outlaw State, pg. 209
8) ibdi, pg. 211
9) ibdi, pg. 150
10) ibdi, pg.151
11) ibdi, pg. 151
12) ibdi, pg. 151
13) ibdi, pg. 154
14) ibdi, pg. 258
15) ibdi, pg. 262
16) ibdi, pg. 154
17) ibdi, pg. 154
18) ibdi, pg. 298
19) ibdi, pg. 298
20) ibdi, pg. 299
21) ibdi, pg. 299
22) Thomas Allan, War In The Gulf, pg. 82
23) ibdi, pg. 85
24) Elaine Sciolino, The Outlaw State, pg. 25
25) ibdi, pg. 261
Bibliography
Sciolino, Elaine, The Outlaw State: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York, 1991
Miller, Judith, Saddam Hussein And The Crisis In The Gulf: Times Books, New York, 1990
Allen, Thomas, CNN War In The Gulf: R.R. Donnelly & Sons, Kansas City, Missouri, 1991
Другие работы по теме:
Cuban Missile Crisis Essay Research Paper Ever
Cuban Missile Crisis Essay, Research Paper Ever since the Soviet Union defeated the United States in the Cold War by launching ?Sputnik? into orbit first, they thought that they had the ?upper-hand?. Soviet intelligence therefore thought they had superior intercontinental missiles. They would soon find out that they were evenly matched by the United States.
Pearl Harbor 3 Essay Research Paper Position
Pearl Harbor 3 Essay, Research Paper Position Paper Although the bombing of Pearl Harbor and events of World War II are far behind us and still in our minds, the United States under any and all circumstances would have gotten involved in the war eventually no matter what. Sure Pearl Harbor was the obvious reason why the United States decided to join the war, but there are some other less obvious clues that point towards our involvement no matter what the situation.
War Essay Research Paper The war between
War Essay, Research Paper The war between Japan and the United States did not have to happen. It could have been prevented by diplomacy in 1941. The United States was Japan?s principle supplier of scrap metal and oil. In 1940 Japan signed a treaty with the government of France for the establishment of airbases in French Indochina.
Castles Essay Research Paper Politicians have debated
Castles Essay, Research Paper Politicians have debated the focus of American foreign policy for decades. Of all the focal points of foreign policy, perhaps the most important should contain maintaining a strong United States dollar value. The value of the dollar determines the purchasing power of the dollar.
Persuasive Essay On Hummers Essay Research Paper
Persuasive Essay Many people all over Canada and the United States think Hummers are the best all terrain vehicles (ATV?s). The history of the Hummer starts, in 1979 with competition for the development of a high mobility multi-purposed wheeled vehicle to meet the army?s highest standards. After a five month test period, the Hummer was judged as the superior technical offering.
Gulf War Essay Research Paper The attack
Gulf War Essay, Research Paper The attack of Iraqi military forces to a small Arab state called Kuwait on orders from president Saddam Hussein caused The US to interfere with the situation resulting in a war called The Gulf War of 1991 starting in January 16 ending in February 28. The military campaign against Iraq had two phase: The Air War and the Ground War .
Saddam Insane Essay Research Paper Saddam Hussein
Saddam Insane! Essay, Research Paper Saddam Hussein is back with avengeance, and his threats of world destruction aren’t to be taken lightly. The United States tried unsuccessfully to target him during the Gulf War in February 1991, however, they confidently expected the Iraq leader to be gone within months.
Anti Abortion Pill Essay Research Paper I
Anti Abortion Pill Essay, Research Paper I wish I would have said something about abortion and the new pill that came out. I wish that that pill would have never came out and I wish that none of the abortion methods ever came about. I believe no one in this world has the right to take the life of another human being no matter how old they are.
Discrimination Essay Research Paper Most people think
Discrimination Essay, Research Paper Most people think the United States is a good place to live, however the United States has more discrimination problems then any other nation. By eliminating, or reducing discrimination the United States would make living here pleasant for all of its residents. As a result, stopping discrimination would, make people feel safe to be then selves, allow an equal opportunity for everyone, and expand U.S culture.
Stealing Our Rights Essay Research Paper Stealing
Stealing Our Rights Essay, Research Paper Stealing Our Rights From the dawn of the first organized communities, to the powerful United States of America today, there have always been power hungry people who
Progressive Era Essay Research Paper PhilipsUS History
Progressive Era Essay, Research Paper Philips US History II During the Progressive Era in the United States, there were many changes happening. Some were happening with the people in the United States, some with the people controlling the United States, and some changes were just going on around both of them.
Gulf War Essay Research Paper Controversial Issues
Gulf War Essay, Research Paper Controversial Issues: Justifying the Persian Gulf War On January 16, 1991 the Gulf War had officially started, and for good reason. In August of 1990, Saddam Hussein sent armies to Kuwait, to take it over. When the United States had unwittingly given Saddam help when fighting against the Iranians, we had also given him a military that was one of the world’s largest and most lethal.
The Louisiana Purchase Essay Research Paper The
The Louisiana Purchase Essay, Research Paper The Louisiana Purchase was the purchase of the French province of Louisiana by the United States in 1803. The province stretched from the Mississippi River westward to the
Constitution Essay Research Paper The Constitution of
Constitution Essay, Research Paper The Constitution of the United States of America We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Gulf War Essay Research Paper The Gulf
Gulf War Essay, Research Paper The Gulf War On the 2nd of August 1990, Iraq invaded Kuwait. Millions of trees, wildlife, marine life, humans and the environment in general, were destroyed. This invasion, was called the GULF WAR. The social, environmental and economic impacts will be felt for years.
Marriage Essay Research Paper In the United
Marriage Essay, Research Paper In the United States most Americans have trouble understanding the concept of an arranged marriage. Arranged marriages not only affect individuals, but also society. I believe that arranged marriages are better then personal choice marriages. I came to this conclusion on the basis of other cultures other then the culture of the United States.
The Gulf War Essay Research Paper The
The Gulf War Essay, Research Paper The Gulf War The Gulf war originally started between Iraq and Kuwait. These two countries had a border dispute over the Persian Gulf Islands for many years but had never let it elevate to a level as bad as the Gulf War.
Puerto Rico Essay Research Paper PUERTO RICOAmong
Puerto Rico Essay, Research Paper PUERTO RICOAmong all the Caribbean territories Puerto Rico has the closest association with the United States. In 1952 a new constitution made Puerto Rico an autonomous part of the United States called the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico.
Puerto Rico Essay Research Paper PUERTO RICOPuerto
Puerto Rico Essay, Research Paper PUERTO RICO Puerto Rico, many good things come from there. Beautiful beaches, beautiful women, and a beautiful culture. However, one thing that does not come from Puerto Rico is money, tax dollars to be exact. Why is it that the United States sends millions of dollars in financial aid to Puerto Rico and nothing comes back? The Puerto Ricans are a commonwealth, not a state, that’s why.
Equality In Races Essay Research Paper EQUALITY
Equality In Races Essay, Research Paper EQUALITY IN RACES I love being Puertorican and fdo think that we should always be proud of who we are, Hispanics. Also is a great thing and a good oportunity to be citizens of the United States. The problem is that we?ll always be rejected in some states and from people that think that we?re in the states because we want to take their land, works, etc. and that?s not true.
Expansionism Essay Research Paper In a sense
Expansionism Essay, Research Paper In a sense, The United States has been “expansionistic” from its very beginning. The 13 English colonies, clinging to the eastern seaboard, were determined to push westward despite all natural and political obstacles. Once established as a nation, the United States went about acquiring even more land, including Florida, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Mexican Cession.
Iran Essay Research Paper Iran 2
Iran Essay, Research Paper Iran – HIstory geography climate culture economy government Iran is a country located in the Middle East. Below it is the Gulf of Oman and to the west is the Persian Gulf. On the east is
US Terrorism Essay Research Paper The United
U.S. Terrorism Essay, Research Paper The United States has become the target of the most recent terrorist attacks because of it?s political involvement in the middle east. The United States has had
Us Affairs Essay Research Paper The US
Us Affairs Essay, Research Paper The U.S. plays a major role in most of the international affairs because the U.S. is considered to be a powerful nation. The Economy of America is strong, and the military power is one of the biggest in the world. There was a Persian Gulf War back in 1991 when the U.S. attacked Iraq.
Squalene Syndrome Essay Research Paper During Operation
Squalene Syndrome Essay, Research Paper During Operation Desert Shield Desert Storm service-members received a series of two shots. They were told to protect them from anthrax. These inoculations were never recorded in their medical records. They were even told by the medical staff that these shots were experimental and non-FDA approved.
The Mississippi River Essay Research Paper The
The Mississippi River Essay, Research Paper The Mississippi River The Mississippi River, 3,779 km (2,348 mi) long, is the second longest river, after the Missouri, in the United States. Its triangular drainage area, covering about 40% of the country and including all or part of 31 states, is approximately 3,250,000 sq km (1,250,000 sq mi), the third largest in the world.