Explainer: Iraq’s invasion and annexation of Kuwait
On August 2, 1990, Iraq invaded and annexed the neighbouring country of Kuwait. The invasion was carried out by the Iraqi military and was led by Saddam Hussein, who was the President of Iraq at the time. The invasion was a sudden and unexpected move that took the international community by surprise.
Kuwait was a small but wealthy country, with significant oil reserves, and Iraq had long been seeking to control these resources. Iraq claimed that Kuwait was overproducing oil, which was driving down oil prices and hurting Iraq’s economy. However, the real reasons behind the invasion are still the subject of debate and speculation.
The invasion of Kuwait was widely condemned by the international community, and the United Nations quickly passed a resolution condemning Iraq’s actions and calling for its immediate withdrawal from Kuwait. In response, an international coalition was formed, which included a large number of countries from around the world, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and other Arab states. The coalition launched a military campaign to expel Iraq from Kuwait and restore its government.
The Gulf War was fought from 1990 to 1991, and it was marked by a quick and decisive military victory for the coalition forces. After a massive bombing campaign, ground forces moved into Kuwait and Iraq, quickly defeating the Iraqi military and restoring the government of Kuwait. The war ended on February 28, 1991, with Iraq accepting a ceasefire agreement.
The invasion of Kuwait and the subsequent Gulf War had significant consequences for the region and the world. It was a turning point in modern history and continues to shape the Middle East and international relations to this day.
Economic Impact
The invasion of Kuwait by Iraq in 1990 had a significant economic impact, both in the short-term and the long-term.
In the short-term, the invasion had a negative impact on Kuwait’s economy. The country’s oil production was disrupted, and many of its oil facilities were damaged or destroyed during the conflict. Additionally, Kuwait’s infrastructure was severely damaged, and many of its buildings and homes were looted or destroyed.
The long-term impact of the invasion was also significant. Kuwait’s oil production was initially slow to recover, and it took several years for the country to restore its oil facilities and infrastructure to pre-invasion levels. However, once it did, the country’s economy began to grow rapidly, and it became one of the wealthiest countries in the world.
The invasion of Kuwait also had a significant impact on the global economy. The conflict disrupted oil supplies from the Middle East, driving up oil prices and leading to increased inflation in many countries. Additionally, the cost of the war and the economic sanctions imposed on Iraq after the conflict also had a negative impact on the global economy.