Gulf War Books

About Gulf War

The Gulf War (1990–1991), also known as the First Iraq War or Operation Desert Storm, was a major international conflict triggered by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in August 1990. Led by Saddam Hussein, Iraq claimed Kuwait was historically part of its territory and accused it of overproducing oil and slant-drilling into Iraqi reserves. The invasion was met with swift global condemnation. A U.S.-led coalition of over 30 nations, under a United Nations mandate, assembled in Saudi Arabia to defend the region and demand Iraq’s withdrawal. After months of diplomatic efforts and economic sanctions failed, coalition forces launched a massive air campaign in January 1991, followed by a ground offensive in February that liberated Kuwait in just 100 hours. The war showcased advanced military technology, including stealth aircraft, smart bombs, and real-time media coverage. While coalition forces suffered relatively few casualties, Iraqi losses were severe, and environmental damage was significant due to deliberate oil spills and the setting of Kuwaiti oil fields ablaze. Although Saddam Hussein remained in power, Iraq was subjected to ongoing sanctions and no-fly zones. The war reaffirmed U.S. military dominance and altered Middle Eastern geopolitics, setting the stage for future conflicts in the region, including the 2003 Iraq War.