SOCIAL STUDIES - SEC 4

CHAPTER 1: MANAGING PEACE AND SECURITY

Causes of Iraq-Kuwait Conict

Factor Historical Enmity Explanation 1. Both countries shared a common history. 2. In 1961, the British granted Kuwait independence. However, this was not recognised by Iraq. 3. Iraq claimed Kuwait belonged to them and sent troops to capture it. 4. In 1961, Iraq gave up its claim due to pressure from the Arab neighbours and monetary aid from Kuwait. 5. However, there were instances where Iraq used military power to threaten Kuwait over border disputes. Economic Problems (Oil Production) 1. Iraq owed huge debts due to the IranIraq war it has just fought. 2. Needed money to repay the debts and rebuild the country. *** KEY REASON *** 3. The best way for them to do so was to earn revenue from the sale of oil. 4. However, due to the overproduction of oil from countries like Kuwait and UAE, oil prices fell. 5. It caused Iraq to lose a lot of revenue. Territorial Dispute 1. Iraq and Kuwait shared a protable oileld - the Rumaila oil eld. 2. Iraq accused Kuwait of stealing oil using slant-drilling technology. 3. Iraq demanded for US$2.4 Billion in compensation but Kuwait denied doing so and refused to pay. -------------------------------------------------------4. Iraqs port is shallow and big ships cannot dock, thus they are unable to transport huge quantities of oil. 5. Two islands, Bubiyah and Warbah, owned by Kuwait, blocked off Iraqs access to the Gulf, affecting Iraqs oil transportation. 6. Iraq attempted to claim ownership of this islands through force but failed. 7. In 1978, they wanted to lease the islands from Kuwait but got rejected. 8. Kuwait did not lease the land as it will open doors to further territorial demands from Iraq. 9. Iraq saw Kuwaits refusal as threatening to their national interests and thus, it led to conict between them. 6. Thus, Iraq felt that the UAE and Kuwait were waging an economic war against them. 7. It then increased the hatred towards each other, leading to conict. Elaboration 6. Kuwait was upset as they saw Iraqs actions as bullying. 7. Thus, it increased the conict between them.

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