The Peace on The Horizon - 75 Years after The World War 2 in the Middle East (126)

 

(Japanese Version)

(Arabic Version)

 

(contents)

 

Chapter 5: Two calendars (Gregorian & Hijri)

 

126 Iraq invasion of Kuwait & Gulf War (AD 1990-91, Hijri 1410) (3/5)

Next year of ceasefire of Iran-Iraq War, Khomeini has passed away at the age of 86. Iran was isolated in the international arena. Saddam Hussein’s next target was Kuwait in the south of border because Kuwait had pressed Saddam to repay the loan of war expenses. Of course, Hussein’s ultimate target was Israel. It was his absolute desire to be the dictator of Arab world.

 

In the global oil market Kuwait sold its oil with biggest discount at that time. Kuwait was a member of OPEC same as Iraq. However, Iraq was more eager to sell the oil at the higher price to rebuild war-torn country. Hussein thought that Kuwait was bold and arrogant. He deployed his force along Iraq-Kuwait border to stress Kuwait.

 

Kuwait and international community regarded this as a mere threat. They never believed that Hussein would definitely invade Kuwait. When the Arab League's emergency meeting was held, Iraqi foreign minister made speech very politely. Arab countries thought that the crisis could be resolved through peaceful dialogue. In addition, when the US ambassador to Iraq met with President Hussein, the president was well-mannered. She sent an incorrect signal to Washington that Hussein had no intention of war.

 

(To be continued ----)

 

 

Areha Kazuya

(From an ordinary citizen in the cloud)