Gulf War
The 1990–1991 conflict in which a U.S.-led coalition expelled Iraqi forces from Kuwait after Iraq invaded the country.
Iraqi invasion of Kuwait: Iraq’s August 1990 military occupation of Kuwait, which triggered an international crisis. This invasion began the crisis that led to the coalition’s campaign.
Iran–Iraq War: The 1980–1988 war between Iraq and Iran, fought over territory, power, and regional influence. Its aftermath left Iraq heavily indebted and heightened tensions with Kuwait.
Saddam Hussein: Iraq’s president from 1979 to 2003 and the central authority behind the invasion of Kuwait. His government ordered the invasion and rejected demands to withdraw.
United Nations Security Council Resolution 687: A 1991 UN resolution establishing the ceasefire terms and disarmament obligations imposed on Iraq. It formalized the postwar settlement and Iraqi disarmament requirements.
Operation Desert Shield: The 1990–1991 U.S.-led deployment that defended Saudi Arabia and built forces for possible action against Iraq. Its defensive buildup preceded the offensive to liberate Kuwait.
Iraq–Kuwait relations: The political and territorial relationship between Iraq and Kuwait, marked by disputes over borders, oil, and sovereignty. Long-running disputes formed part of Iraq’s stated rationale for the invasion.
George H. W. Bush: The 41st president of the United States, serving from 1989 to 1993. He assembled the coalition and authorized U.S. military operations.
Iraqi no-fly zones: Areas of Iraqi airspace patrolled by the United States, Britain, and France after the 1991 war. They became a long-running military consequence of the ceasefire period.
Operation Desert Storm: The U.S.-led air and ground offensive against Iraqi forces in Kuwait and Iraq in 1991. This campaign drove Iraqi forces out of Kuwait.
Rumaila oil field: A major oil field spanning the Iraq–Kuwait border region. Iraq accused Kuwait of extracting oil from the field across the border.