The Gulf War of 1990-1991 was a conflict that changed the landscape of the Middle East forever. But for many, it has become a forgotten war. Fought between Iraq and an international coalition led by the United States, it is remembered more for its political implications than for its human toll. It was a conflict that ended up costing many lives and will never be forgotten by those who experienced it firsthand.
The Causes of the Gulf War
Most people are familiar with the story of Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, but few know why Saddam Hussein chose to do so. The answer lies in a long-running border dispute between Iraq and Kuwait over oil fields located on both sides of their shared border. This dispute had been going on since before World War II and reached its peak during the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988). With Iraq reeling from its defeat at the hands of Iran, Saddam Hussein saw an opportunity to seize control of Kuwait’s oil reserves and gain some much needed revenue for his own country.
The Impact on Veterans
For veterans who served in the Gulf War, it was an experience that would stay with them for life. Many returned home with physical and psychological injuries that would take years to heal, if ever. For some, those wounds were more than just physical – they were emotional too, as thoughts of lost friends and comrades weighed heavy on their minds. Although much has been done to recognize their service since then, there is still much work to be done in order to ensure all veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve for their sacrifices during this difficult time in history.
The Gulf War may have faded into relative obscurity compared to other conflicts in recent memory, but it should not be forgotten by anyone who remembers its impact on world politics or the lives affected by it—particularly those brave men and women who served our country during this turbulent time period. We owe them our gratitude and respect for their service; we must never forget what they did for us or what they endured while fighting in this war. Let us remember them always as heroes whose courage should never be taken lightly or forgotten.