Did Saddam Hussein Attack Kuwait Without Repaying the Loan?

On August 2, 1990, the world watched as Saddam Hussein's Iraqi forces launched a surprise invasion of Kuwait. In a swift and decisive operation, Iraqi troops occupied the small, oil-rich nation within just 14 hours. This aggressive move marked the beginning of the end for Saddam Hussein and Iraq, setting the stage for a series of events that would reshape the Middle East.

The Desperate Plea

"Kuwait Radio went off the air shortly after broadcasting a desperate plea: 'Arab brothers, dear Muslim brothers, stand by us quickly,'" recounted a witness of that fateful day. The radio's silence symbolized the swift and overwhelming nature of the Iraqi invasion. On August 3, 1990, Kuwait, a prosperous nation in the Persian Gulf, was under siege. Just one day earlier, Saddam Hussein had ordered his troops to invade and occupy Kuwait.

Background to the Invasion

Saddam Hussein, Iraq's controversial leader, had just emerged from the brutal eight-year Iraq-Iran war. Kuwait had supported Iraq during this conflict, providing substantial financial aid. However, as the war ended in 1988, Iraq found itself in dire economic straits, burdened with enormous debts, including those owed to Kuwait.

Starting on July 20, 1990, Iraq began deploying troops along the Kuwait border, escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf region. Neighboring countries, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, attempted to mediate, but their efforts proved futile. On August 2, Iraqi forces commenced their attack, overwhelming Kuwait's defenses within hours. The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jabir Al-Ahmad Al-Jabir Al-Sabah, fled to Saudi Arabia, where his government operated in exile.

The Puppet Government and Annexation

Following the invasion, Saddam Hussein installed a puppet regime in Kuwait on August 4, dubbing it the "Interim Government for the Liberation of Kuwaitis." Just four days later, Baghdad declared Kuwait the 19th province of Iraq. This annexation did not stop with Kuwait; Iraqi forces began massing near the Saudi Arabian border, raising fears of a broader conflict in the Gulf.

The Economic Motives Behind the Invasion

The roots of Iraq's aggression lay in its precarious economic situation. After the Iran-Iraq war, Iraq's economy was shattered. Repaying the massive debts accumulated during the conflict was an immense challenge. Saddam Hussein's regime looked to Kuwait for relief, but Kuwait insisted on repayment.

Compounding Iraq's woes, the global oil market was in turmoil. In July 1990, crude oil prices plummeted from $18 to $12 per barrel. Iraq accused Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates of exceeding OPEC production quotas, driving down prices and exacerbating Iraq's financial crisis. Baghdad further alleged that Kuwait had constructed military and oil installations on Iraqi territory during the war, demanding a halt to debt repayment as compensation.

The Larger Strategy

Dania Thafer, director of the Gulf International Forum, explained in an interview with Al-Jazeera that Iraq's invasion was consistent with a longstanding policy of regional expansion. Many Kuwaitis believed that Iraq's primary motivation was to seize control of Kuwait's vast oil reserves, bolstering its own faltering economy.

The International Response

The international community swiftly condemned Iraq's invasion. On January 17, 1991, a U.S.-led coalition launched Operation Desert Storm, a military campaign to liberate Kuwait and repel Iraqi forces. The operation was successful, and by February 28, Kuwait was free, but the repercussions for Iraq were severe. The war devastated Iraq's infrastructure and economy, setting the stage for years of hardship and instability.

For further reading on the geopolitical impacts of the Gulf War, visit The Gulf War's Legacy.

This article originally appeared on BengaliVogue.com. Stay updated with the latest news and in-depth analysis by subscribing to our newsletter.