Oil Dependence: The Catalyst for the Gulf War of 1991
TITLE
‘Dependence on oil was the main cause of the Gulf War of 1991.
ESSAY
The Gulf War of 1991 was a multifaceted conflict that involved various geopolitical, economic, and historical factors, of which oil played a significant role. The idea that dependence on oil was the main cause of the war holds merit when considering the intricate relationship between oil resources and the motivations of the involved parties.
Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait was indeed driven in part by his desire to control Kuwait's oil reserves and alleviate Iraq's economic struggles. The war debt owed by Iraq to Kuwait, exacerbated by the fall in oil prices due to Kuwait's overproduction, served as a catalyst for Saddam's decision to invade Kuwait. By taking over Kuwait, Saddam aimed to gain control of its oil resources, which would in turn bolster Iraq's economy and military power. The strategic importance of oil in the region as a vital economic resource was a driving force behind Saddam's actions.
On the other hand, the response of the international community, led by the United States and its allies, was also influenced by concerns over oil. The fear of disruption to the global oil supply, particularly from Saudi Arabia, played a crucial role in the decision to intervene militarily to protect Kuwait and ensure the stability of oil markets. The presence of Western troops in Saudi Arabia under Operation Desert Shield was a clear demonstration of the significance of oil in shaping the response to the conflict.
Moreover, Saddam's perception of Kuwait as historically belonging to Iraq, driven by his desire to correct what he saw as an injustice resulting from colonial divisions, further underscores the intersection of oil resources and territorial ambitions in the region. His belief that Kuwait was stealing Iraqi oil and his assertion that Kuwait should be absorbed into Iraq reflect the complex dynamics at play, where control over oil reserves intertwined with notions of national identity and historical grievances.
In conclusion, while oil was not the sole cause of the Gulf War of 1991, it undeniably played a central role in shaping the motivations and actions of key actors involved. The economic, strategic, and historical significance of oil resources in the region influenced both Saddam Hussein's decision to invade Kuwait and the response of the international community. Therefore, the view that dependence on oil was a primary factor in the Gulf War of 1991 is supported by the complex interplay of interests and conflicts surrounding oil in the Middle East during that time.
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HISTORY
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Dependence on oil was the main cause of the Gulf War of 1991.’ Evaluate this view.
Oil was an important factor for both sides. Saddam owed an enormous war debt to Kuwait following the Iran-Iraq War which Kuwait wanted repaid. Many Iraqis felt that Kuwait was ungrateful as Iraq had suffered to protect the Arab world and wanted Kuwait to dissolve the debt. Saddam also blamed Kuwait for overproduction of oil which led to a fall in prices. He asked all OPEC members to reduce oil production in order to increase the price of crude oil and give Iraq increased revenues.
However, Kuwait increased its quota by 50%. Occupying Kuwait would give him resources to rebuild his army and economy and increase his power. He also accused Kuwait of drilling into the Rumaila oil field territory over the border; this would mean that Kuwait was stealing Iraq’s oil. In early August 1990, he launched his invasion of Kuwait, took over the country and set fire to hundreds of Kuwaiti oil fields.
The UN Security Council passed Resolution 660, condemning the invasion and insisting on a withdrawal of Iraqi troops. The United States and other NATO members feared the potential threat it posed to Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil producer; they were concerned about maintaining the free flow of oil as it was necessary for their prosperity. They sent troops to Saudi Arabia to deter a possible attack and Egypt and several other Arab nations contributed forces to the coalition; this became known as Operation Desert Shield.
The United States demanded Iraq's full, unconditional withdrawal from Kuwait in return for peace, but Iraq insisted that there should be a simultaneous withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon and Israeli troops from the West Bank, Gaza Strip, the Golan Heights, and southern Lebanon. On January 12, 1991, the United States Congress authorized the use of military force to drive Iraq out of Kuwait.
Saddam believed that Kuwait had no right to exist; he considered that historically Kuwait was an integral part of Iraq and it had only come into being because of British imperialism at the end of the nineteenth century. To occupy Kuwait would put right a historical wrong. He regarded Kuwait as the nineteenth province of Iraq. He also demanded that Kuwait’s border with Iraq be adjusted and Kuwait make a further large loan to Iraq.
He accused Kuwait of drilling below the border with Iraq in order to extract huge oil deposits which Iraq claimed as its own. In August 1990, Iraqi troops invaded Kuwait and overran the country in three days. Kuwait’s oil riches would augment Iraq’s power in the Middle East and help Saddam realize his ambition of becoming a regional leader.
Saddam’s misjudgment of the international situation encouraged him not to withdraw from Kuwait. The United Nations Security Council imposed complete trade sanctions on Iraq; Saddam did not expect them to be so successful. He wrongly believed that he could gain Arab support for his actions by agreeing to withdraw from Kuwait when the Israelis withdrew their forces from the West Bank and Gaza.
Saddam caused further outrage when he detained hundreds of foreigners as hostages and used some as human shields near military targets. Eisenhower had written back in 1957 that if a crisis in the Middle East threatened to cut off the western world from oil, the United States would use force. However, the United States had not intervened to save the Shah of Iran. He did not believe that the United States would act. He was driven out of Kuwait in February; a ceasefire was imposed in March.