THE PERSIAN GULF WAR

I. Background

A. Saddam Hussein led Iraq through a war with Iran during the 1980’s and had huge war debts to pay.

B. He also claimed oil-rich Kuwait was a part of Iraq.

C. Invades Kuwait on Aug. 2nd 1990.

II. U.S. Involvement

A. On Jan. 16th, 1991, President Bush launches Operation Desert Storm, an international coalition to free Kuwait from Iraqi control.

B. After a successful air and ground campaign, the war was over in 6 weeks.

III. The Aftermath

A. Less than 400 US casualties

B. Gulf War Syndrome-mental and physical disabilities for returning soldiers from war.

C. Almost 100,000 Iraqi casualties (military and civilian)