CS4 - The Gulf War (1991), a post Cold War triumph What were the reasons for war and US triumph?

1. The reasons for war: Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait (1990)
• Iraq invasion of Kuwait (1990):
In August 1990 Iraq led by President Saddam Hussein invaded and annexed Kuwait in a surprise invasion.
• Iraq’s swift victory:
In one day, the Iraqi military (the 4th largest in the world) occupied Kuwait territory causing the fall of the Kuwaiti regime.
• But in a new international context
New US-Soviet collaboration: both condemned Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait and decided on sanctions.
=> shows the Cold War is really over

2. The reasons for US victory: the nature of the Gulf War (1991)
• A fight for freedom:
The USA and its allies determined to protect political principles: freedom against aggression and oppression -and economic interests (oil resources) => international coalition to stop Iraq.
• The coalition victory:
US-led coalition with an overwhelming air and ground superiority => quickly defeated Iraqi forces (January-February 1991).
• A clean war?
Apparently no casualties whether US or Iraqi because high-tech war with smart weapons
TV war live so should be reliable but in fact censored, controlled by the military to keep the support of public opinion
=> Everything Vietnam was not => The Gulf War ended the humiliation of Vietnam and restored US pride and confidence.