Persian Gulf War Results
1. Ceasefire and Iraqi Withdrawal: The war concluded with a cease-fire on February 28, 1991. Iraq was forced to accept UN Security Council Resolution 660, which required them to withdraw from Kuwait and destroy their weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs.
2. Kuwait's Liberation: Kuwait was liberated from Iraqi occupation, and its legitimate government was restored. The Emir of Kuwait, Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, returned to the country.
3. Iraqi Casualties and Infrastructure Damage: The war caused significant casualties on the Iraqi side, both military and civilian. Iraqi infrastructure, including oil facilities, was heavily damaged during the conflict.
4. Environmental Damage: The burning of Kuwaiti oil wells by retreating Iraqi forces resulted in extensive environmental damage, including air and water pollution and a loss of biodiversity in the region.
5. Weakened Iraqi Military: The Iraqi military was severely weakened by the war, depleting its manpower and equipment. This contributed to the country's vulnerability to future conflicts and internal instability.
6. Rise of Saddam Hussein: Saddam Hussein, the Iraqi president at the time of the war, emerged from the conflict with his power largely intact. He continued to rule Iraq with an iron fist, leading to further oppression of the Iraqi people.
7. Increased U.S. Influence: The United States emerged from the war as the dominant global power, solidifying its position in international affairs and reinforcing its role as the world's military superpower.
8. Economic Implications: The war had a significant impact on the global economy, including spikes in oil prices and economic recessions in several countries.
9. Geopolitical Realignment: The war led to a reassessment of regional and global security arrangements, with the emergence of new alliances and alignments.
10. Post-War Initiatives: The end of the war prompted the establishment of the United Nations Special Commission (UNSCOM) to monitor and verify Iraqi disarmament, as well as the imposition of economic sanctions on Iraq.
11. Long-Term Instability: Despite the initial defeat of Iraq, the war set the stage for future conflicts in the region, including the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the ongoing instability in the Middle East.
The Persian Gulf War was a significant event that transformed the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East, had far-reaching consequences for Iraq, and left a lasting impact on international relations and global security.