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The Gulf War, which lasted from 1990 to 1991, was a significant historical event that irreversibly changed the political picture of the world. In this unprecedented war, Iran fought against a coalition of 28 countries led by the United States. Since Kuwait itself became of interest to the Western world, approaches to the war were different. The development of strategies included both diplomatic missions and direct military aggression. It depended upon the impact of political intervention and Iraqs response. This war demonstrated the high level of the political and military potential of the United States and Britain. Also, the diplomatic support of France and Saudi Arabia appeared to be crucial. Although this milestone in history is famous for the use of information tools and precision weapons, Coalition maritime power played the most vital role in the liberation of Kuwait.
Preconditions
Iraqs interest
Many political leaders around the world expected Irans invasion of Kuwait, as several historical events preceded the Gulf War. As Sassoon and Walter (2017) state, Iraqs claim to Kuwait goes back to the days of the Ottoman Empire when the British recognized the primacy of the Sabah dynasty over the city-state of Kuwait (p. 610). The authors argue that the direct influence of Britain could be traced back to the end of World War I when Britain artificially separated the two regions. Moreover, Iran had asserted its rights twice in Kuwait (1938 and 1961) since Kuwaits gradual independence from Great Britain. However, the constant presence of royal political and military forces in the region prevented Irans direct invasion. (Sassoon & Walter, 2017). The war between Iran and Iraq (1980-1988), which undermined Irans economic and political situation, intensified the situation. Saddam Hussein expected Kuwait to forget about Irans debts, but Kuwait instead began producing more oil, lowering its price.
The US reaction
All the conditions mentioned above have significantly increased tensions between Iran and Kuwait. Danspeckgruber and Tripp (2019) assert that Saddam Hussein demanded that Kuwait pay Iraq US $10 billion and forgive its wartime debts (p. 58). However, even debt forgiveness was not a significant step towards easing tensions as the Iraqi leader soon stated, I need $30 billion in fresh money, and if they dont give it to me, I will know how to take it. Not surprisingly, such statements were a signal to devise a strategy to deter aggression by Iraq. According to Peters (2016), the Bush administration has decided to counter Iraq, given the possibility of nuclear war and the use of chemical weapons. Moreover, the primary goal of the United States in its intervention was to protect Saudi Arabia and its oil reserves. However, the sanctions strategy soon became ineffective, and preparations for a potential war began to drag on, so the Bush administration decided to intervene directly.
Coalition forces
Given that the Gulf War was inevitable, the United States joined forces with other countries, such as Britain, France, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Egypt, Syria, and others. According to Wierzbicki and Mazurczak (2017), the Coalition had 455 thousand soldiers, and half of their members were Americans. They were equipped with 200 strike aircraft and 3400 tanks, and their fleet numbered 1800 naval ships, based on the waters nearby the Gulf and on two seas: the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea (Wierzbicki & Mazurczak, 2017, p. 245). This fact indicates the diversity of forces concentrated in one region and the quantitative advantage of the Coalition in many respects. Besides, it points to the necessity to unite efforts to counter the unjust aggression of political leaders.
Great Britain
One of the strongest allies of the United States in the war with Iraq was Great Britain. At that time, Britain was famous for the high efficiency of its military system, humane laws regarding politics in other states, and a willingness to unite with other countries to counter aggression (Schmitt, 2018). According to Schmitt (2018), both Britain and the United States had strong ties to Kuwait, as the United States had been a guarantor of security in the region since World War II, and Kuwait had once been under British rule. Thanks to long-term diplomatic activities, Britain not only maintain relationships with the local authorities but also used the potential of Kuwait to develop its economy. It was Margaret Thatcher, the British Prime Minister at the time, who expressed strong concern over Saddam Husseins political actions and took decisive action to begin uniting the countries into a Coalition.
Margaret Thatchers diplomatic actions were a driving power in the later ability of allies to control Iraqi ships. Besides, the Coalition has planned joint actions of the Royal Navy with the US Marines and the First Marine Expeditionary Force (Schmitt, 2018). British commanders were willing to take part in the primary operations, as Britain had clear political goals in the Gulf War. Schmitt (2018) asserts that the British deployed eleven frigates and destroyers, two submarines, ten MCM ships, three patrol crafts, three naval helicopter squadrons, and a Royal Marine detachment (p. 51). Moreover, Britain participated in the countermining operations, and the deceiving attempts to simulate amphibious assaults on the shore of Kuwait. In this way, Britain proved to be a reliable ally that could participate in dangerous operations, as well as outnumber weapons.
France and Syria
Other Coalition countries, such as France and Syria, have made significant contributions to diplomatic policy but played a minor role in the military operations. One can explain that considering several nuances with their military systems and unwillingness to take aggressive actions. Schmitt (2018) states that France took part in the naval embargo of Iraq and some MCM operations after the ceasefire. However, only one French frigate the Jean de Vienne was in the Gulf during military operations and contributed to escorting the coalitional logistical ships (Schmitt, 2018, p. 65). The author mentions the problem of conscripts, who made up 20-30% of the ships crews, the fact that hindered the rapid mobilization and, accordingly, integration with the Coalition forces. Schmitt (2018) asserts that Syrias military influence had some limits, too, because of the refusal to grant overflight rights and engage Syrian soldiers in the primary operations. Moreover, Syria was extremely concerned about the security of its own country and its small facilities.
Conclusion
The Gulf War was the result of all the historical events that preceded it. Britains political influence in Kuwait played a significant role, as did Margaret Thatchers successful diplomatic moves. The rapid US response to the aggression in Iraq was an essential component in preventing the intensification of Saddam Husseins aggressive policy. The British Navy contributed to the liberation of Kuwait to a great extent due to successful integration with the United States and participation in dangerous operations. The participation of the French and Syrian fleets was noticeable, but insignificant in the Gulf war. Not all countries were able or willing to provide military support to the Coalition for the liberation of Kuwait. However, many members had strong political and diplomatic influence in operation.
References
Danspeckgruber, W. F., & Tripp, C. (2019). The Iraqi aggression against Kuwait: Strategic lessons and implications for Europe. Routledge.
Peters, J. E. (2016). Restoring Americas military prowess: Creating reliable civil-military relations, sound campaign planning and stability-counter-insurgency. Rowman & Littlefield.
Sassoon, J., & Walter, A. (2017). The Iraqi occupation of Kuwait: New historical perspectives. The Middle East Journal, 71(4), 607-628.
Schmitt, O. (2018). Aliens that count. Georgetown University Press.
Wierzbicki, S., & Mazurczak, P. (2017). Overview of military operations of US Arms Forces during the First Gulf War. World Scientific News, 72, 242-247.
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