On February 27, 1991, President George H. W. Bush formally announced the liberation of Kuwait, marking the conclusion of the Gulf War. His statement signified the success of Operation Desert Storm, a U.S.-led military campaign launched in response to Iraq’s invasion and annexation of Kuwait in August 1990. The conflict, lasting just over six weeks, ended in a decisive victory for the United States and its coalition allies, demonstrating the effectiveness of modern military strategy and international cooperation.
The war stemmed from Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein’s decision to invade Kuwait on August 2, 1990. Citing historical territorial claims and economic grievances—including disputes over oil production quotas and outstanding debt from the Iran-Iraq War—Hussein’s forces swiftly occupied the small but oil-rich Gulf nation. The invasion provoked immediate global condemnation. In response, the United Nations Security Council issued a series of resolutions demanding Iraq’s withdrawal and imposed economic sanctions. Under President Bush’s leadership, the United States assembled a broad coalition of 35 nations, including the United Kingdom, France, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, to counter Iraqi aggression.
Following months of diplomatic pressure and military preparations under Operation Desert Shield, coalition forces launched Operation Desert Storm on January 17, 1991. The campaign began with an intensive aerial bombardment, targeting Iraq’s military infrastructure, air defenses, and command structures. Over five weeks, relentless air strikes severely degraded Iraq’s military capabilities, weakening its hold on Kuwait. On February 24, the ground offensive commenced with a rapid and overwhelming assault. Coalition forces swiftly advanced through Kuwait and southern Iraq, encircling and decimating Iraqi divisions. Within just 100 hours, the Iraqi army collapsed, suffering heavy casualties and mass surrenders. By February 26, Iraqi forces were in full retreat, hastily withdrawing from Kuwait.
As Iraqi forces fled, they set fire to nearly 700 Kuwaiti oil wells, creating an environmental disaster that lasted for months. Thick black smoke filled the sky, causing severe ecological and economic damage. Despite this destruction, Kuwait’s ruling Al-Sabah family was restored to power, and Kuwaitis celebrated their newfound freedom. On February 27, President Bush formally declared, “Kuwait is liberated.” The following day, he announced a ceasefire, effectively bringing the war to an end. The Gulf War reaffirmed American military dominance and reasserted the United States’ role as a global leader. The success of the coalition strategy reinforced confidence in international military cooperation, particularly in contrast to the fragmented U.S. experience in the Vietnam War.
While the Gulf War achieved its immediate objectives, it left several critical issues unresolved. Saddam Hussein remained in power, despite Iraq’s military defeat. In the aftermath of the war, the U.S. encouraged uprisings by Iraq’s Shi’a and Kurdish populations, but when Hussein’s forces brutally suppressed these revolts, the U.S. chose not to intervene. This decision bred resentment among Iraqi opposition groups, deepening distrust toward American foreign policy. Additionally, the continued presence of U.S. troops in Saudi Arabia—which had served as a key military base for the war—stirred anti-American sentiment in the region. Over the next decade, Iraq remained under strict UN sanctions, while the U.S. and its allies enforced no-fly zones through intermittent airstrikes. These tensions ultimately contributed to the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, which aimed to remove Hussein permanently.
President Bush’s announcement of Kuwait’s liberation in 1991 was both a moment of military triumph and a turning point in U.S. foreign policy. The war showcased the effectiveness of high-tech military operations and coalition warfare, but it also highlighted the limitations of military intervention in achieving long-term political stability. The geopolitical consequences of the Gulf War continued to shape Middle Eastern affairs for decades, influencing future conflicts and U.S. engagement in the region.
