Saddam Hussein gave the order to invade Kuwait on August 2nd, 1990. He aimed to take control of Kuwait oil reserves. Iraq accused Kuwait, and also the United Arab Emirates, of breaking agreements that limit oil production in the Middle East. According to Saddam Hussein, this brought down world oil prices severely and caused financial loss of billions of dollars in Iraq's annual revenue. Saddam stated that Kuwait was part of former Iraqi territory and it was rightfully his to take again. However, Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, had namely recognized Kuwaiti independence in 1963. Hussein claimed that Kuwait had illegally pumped oil from the Iraqi oil field of Rumaila to reduce Iraq's oil income. (Lee, R.)
             Iraq surprised the entire world. The territory-thirsty country was now target of international negative attitude. The UN passed 12 resolutions condemning the attacks on Kuwait. The U.S. and other U.N. members began deploying troops in Saudi Arabia, fearful of an Iraqi attack on the giant oil industry-based country. The U.N. demanded immediate withdrawal on January 15, 1991 or Iraq would face the threats of U.N. retaliation. Iraq did not withdraw.
             On January 16th the Allied forces began bombing Iraq and Iraqi units in Kuwait. The next day Iraq retaliated with their first SCUD missile attack. The U.S. used patriot missiles to shoot down the SCUDs to keep Saudi Arabia's oil fields safe. Ground troops were sent into Kuwait on February 23, finding little resistance. The enemy had mostly been beaten. Three days later the U.S. had control over Kuwait and offered a cease-fire to the Iraqis. Saddam Hussein accepted the terms of the cease-fire on March 3, and all fighting stopped. The Iraqis suffered over 20,000 deaths; the U.S. suffered 150. (O'hara, Scott)
             The Persian Gulf War served as a lesson to the Iraq government not to invade other countries without expecting retaliation. Several uprisings and rebellions occurred ...