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Persian Gulf War
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Thematic map depicting the Persian Gulf War, showing Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and surrounding countries with key military targets such as weapons plants, nuclear facilities, oil fields, and major air bases. Symbols indicate naval forces in the Persian Gulf, and an inset details coalition and Iraqi troop movements and front lines during the ground attack into Kuwait and southern Iraq. Saddam Hussein in 1983, wearing a green military uniform and resting his face on his right hand. Map showing the location of Kuwait in the Middle East, bordered by Iraq and Saudi Arabia and situated along the northwestern coast of the Persian Gulf. Neighboring countries and major bodies of water, including the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, Caspian Sea, and Black Sea, are also labeled for regional context. Sheikh Jābir al-Aḥmad al-Jābir al-Ṣabāḥ Map of Kuwait showing its borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia, major cities such as Kuwait City, Al-Jahra, and Al-Wafrah, physical features like Kuwait Bay and Ash-Shaqaya Peak, and nearby islands including Bubiyan and Failakah. The Persian Gulf is to the east, and a small inset locator map highlights Kuwait's position in the Middle East. Persian Gulf War
Witness U.S. Pres. George H.W. Bush addressing Congress after Iraq's invasion of Kuwait
George H.W. Bush and Sheikh Jābir al-Aḥmad al-Jābir al-Ṣabāḥ Persian Gulf War Persian Gulf War
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Thematic map depicting the Persian Gulf War, showing Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and surrounding countries with key military targets such as weapons plants, nuclear facilities, oil fields, and major air bases. Symbols indicate naval forces in the Persian Gulf, and an inset details coalition and Iraqi troop movements and front lines during the ground attack into Kuwait and southern Iraq.
Persian Gulf War

Persian Gulf War

1990–1991
Also known as: Gulf War
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Persian Gulf War, (1990–91), international conflict that was triggered by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990. Iraq’s leader, Saddam Hussein, ordered the invasion and occupation of Kuwait with the apparent aim of acquiring that nation’s large oil reserves, canceling a large debt Iraq owed Kuwait, and expanding Iraqi power in the region. It was the first major international crisis of the post-Cold War era, and the U.S.-led response would set important precedents for...

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