This short, but important war took place from January to March of 1991. This conflict was between Iraq, led by the aggressive Saddam Hussien, against a large group of nations on the other side. On the Allied side the United States of America controlled the anti forces. The US provided the most arms for this war. The cause of the war was Iraq invading Kuwait and taking the control. Kuwait is a small but very wealthy neighbor of Iraq. The country of Iraq had always been aggressive to its neighboring countries. Iraq also threatened against Kuwait on many occasions in 1961,1973 and in the 80’s. Iraq wanted Kuwait because of Kuwait’s giant supply of oil discovered just before World War II. The next target for Iraq was Saudi Arabia. This is when US forces were detached to the region. The Americans made a deadline for Iraqi forces to exit Kuwait. Iraq did not leave by the deadline. America signaled an all out attack to free Kuwait. The large group of many Allied countries attacked Iraq’s forces in Kuwait. This conflict turned into “Desert Storm”, better known as “The Persian Gulf War.

Allied forces were commanded by US General H. Norman Schwarzkopf. He led the first phase of the war, lasting from January 16 to February 22, which was only air bombardment on Iraqi territories. Iraq still continued to fight. On January 17 Iraq began launching long range Scud Missiles against Israel.

The second phase of the war was a huge Allied ground offensive attack against Iraqi troops in Kuwait on February 25. The Allies were successful in freeing Kuwait on February 27. Hostilities were ended on March 2, 1991 The Persian Gulf War was an Allied victory.