Ebua, Ma. Samantha Louise L.

BSLM-4A A Reaction Paper on 2oth Century Battlefield: Gulf War Iraq, through its dictator Saddam Hussein decided to invade Kuwait, a country booming with massive oils to take over the control to find funding for his economy after the war against Iran. After depleting Iraqi troops into Kuwait and causing massive casualties, Hussein decided to move forward to attack the neighboring country of Kuwait, which is also rich in oil resources, Saudi Arabia. If he becomes successful in conquering Saudi Arabia, he would be able to gain control on one-fifth of the worlds supply on oil. Thus, the Gulf War commences. The United States then decided to give its support to Saudi Arabia by sending more than 500,000 American troops in case the Iraq decides to attack. Through skillful diplomacy it proved that United Nations can be used as an instrument force whenever necessary. The US sought multilateral support from the UN Security Council through a votation which the majority favored to push through and agreed to provide assistance. But the UN gave a deadline to Iraq, that if they do not withdraw the troops near the Saudi Arabia border with a certain period a war would break out. But on January 15, 1991, the UNs deadline to Iraq, no signs of withdrawal was seen. So with full force the UN Coalition started its attack through aerial invasions bombing the capital to distract the strategies of the Iraq military. Throughout the duration of the war, many casualties coming from both sides including innocent citizens were produced. The economic impact of this war, left countries affected especially Kuwait, depleted with resources but with overflowing oil resources, it helped the country to regain its normal state. Most of the economic costs were incurred by Iraq. Losses in military equipment alone totaled over $50 billion (1995). The time and effort needed to repair the damage and build replacement facilities will take years to accomplish. In terms of environmental impact, from the first day the UN Coalition and Iraq launched its attacks, thousands of innocent citizens were badly damaged. And due to the chemical contents of the artilleries especially the bombs, it resulted to the Gulfs ecosystem being destroyed.

The acts of the UN during the war proven that they were fair into giving consideration to Iraq, in which they declined and providing to states in need of assistance. United States & United Kingdom did not hesitate in bringing its troops to Saudi Arabia to protect the country, even if they were to engage in battle. Since casualties cannot really be prevented in wars, I still felt that the UN Coalition could have done better attacks that would not affect those innocent citizens, the same with Iraq. The Gulf War has badly damaged the relations of the Arab Nations and traumatized thousands of innocent civilians. But nevertheless, the United Nations had to resort to that kind of strategy in order to put a stop on Iraq & Saddam Husseins plan in destroying peace and order in the Arab countries and gaining resources which is not rightfully his.