In August of 1990 a dispute between Iraq and Kuwait arose over territory possession and oil prices. Iraq argued that Kuwait refused to lower oil prices by refusing to decrease oil production. Iraq has also made claims that Kuwait was historically part of Iraq's land. This dispute ultimately lead to Desert Storm. Desert Storm lasted until February of 1991. The fight ended due to intervention of the US as well as a coalition of over 30 other countries. By then the Iraqi troops had already done serious damage to towns, as well as destroying 742 of Kuwait's 1,080 oil wells, which led to an environmental catastrophe. In addition, they also took thousands of Kuwaiti hostages back to Baghdad .Ten years later 605 hostages are still being held captive as well as tortured.
             I. Kuwait and Iraq's Geographic History
             1.The significance of the location of both countries has been the basis for many disputes between the two countries. Since the smaller country of Kuwait is located within the larger country of Iraq, Iraq's pressure to gain control over Kuwait has steadily increased over the years.
             2.Due to the over abundance of oil within Kuwait, it has made the country a high commodity. Because Kuwait is a main source of oil for a majority of the country, control of the territory would mean a boost in the countries economy.
             1.The continued imprisonment of Desert Storm POWs, is a violation of human rights as well as the Geneva Code that states that prisoners of war must be released upon the dissolution of the war. Saddam currently denies the allegations of Kuwaiti prisoners being held within his country yet refuses to let inspectors in to investigate the situation. It is believed that Saddam is holding the prisoners as a "winning card" against Kuwait, in trying to control of the territory.
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