Gulf War, 1990-91Oil makes people do bad things

A little background…• Oil-rich Iraq

• Led by the dictator, Saddam Hussein.

• Invaded neighbouring Kuwait. Wanted access to Persian Gulf

• United Nations imposed sanctions on Iraq. Operation Desert Storm ensued

Canada’s role• Part of military force

• Escorted ships

• Transporting goods and personnel

• Patrol and bombing missions

• Cleared landmines

Key Components of War• 1st time Canada sent women to war in combat role

• 35 nations in coalition

• UN authorized an embargo and blockade

• Led by Security Council, which we were a member of

• Occurred at the same time as Oka Crisis in Canada, which preoccupied army

• Removal of WMDs

Results• Quick war. Iraq was easily

overwhelmed, but Saddam stayed in power, and struggles continued

• 76,000 civilians killed by multinational forces.

• *Iraqi civilians urged to rise up, but were met with significant challenges after the conflict.

Results cont…• 1 billion barrels of crude

oil spilled in Gulf waters, and oil wells set on fire

• 6 weeks to victory?

• The Humvee became a recreational vehicle? That’s ridiculous!