President George H. W. Bush played a pivotal role in the Gulf War, a major international conflict that unfolded in response to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in August 1990.
Background and Invasion
- Iraqi President Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait on August 2, 1990, seeking to control its oil reserves and erase debts from the Iran-Iraq War.
- The invasion was condemned globally, and the United Nations quickly passed resolutions demanding Iraq’s withdrawal.
- Bush’s Response and Coalition Building
- President Bush immediately began diplomatic efforts, famously engaging in “telephone diplomacy” to build a broad international coalition against Iraq.
- He worked closely with leaders like British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev to unify global opposition.
- Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm
- In August 1990, Bush authorized the deployment of U.S. troops to Saudi Arabia to deter further Iraqi aggression—this was Operation Desert Shield.
- After Iraq failed to comply with UN deadlines, Bush launched Operation Desert Storm in January 1991, a massive air and ground assault that lasted just over a month.
- Defining Moments
- Bush’s famous declaration—“This will not stand, this aggression against Kuwait”—became a rallying cry for U.S. involvement.
- He addressed Congress and the American public multiple times, framing the conflict as a test of international law and U.S. resolve.
Outcome and Legacy
- The war ended swiftly with a decisive coalition victory. Iraq was expelled from Kuwait after a five-week air campaign and a 100-hour ground war.
- Bush’s leadership during the Gulf War is often cited as a high point of his presidency, showcasing his diplomatic skill and commitment to multilateral action.
Lesson Learning 