Why did Iraq invade Kuwait?

Answer

1. misreading position of US

Before the invasion of Kuwait, Saddam Hussein had met with the American ambassador to discuss the problems Iraq had with Kuwait. From the meeting, Saddam Hussein believed that the Americans were sympathetic to Iraq's situation and were not likely to go to Kuwait's aid. this might have encouraged the Iraqi leader to think that he would not face severe consequences.

2. Saddam Hussein's leadership

Saddam Hussein, a Sunni Muslim, had always seen himself as a great leader of the Arab world. In his eyes, Kuwait's repeated refusals to give in to Iraqi demands were seen as defiance and a personal attack on him.

Saddam Hussein was also worried that there would be an uprising in Iraq against him, especially by the Shi'a Muslims, who formed the majority in Iraq. the Iran-Iraq war had left the Iraqi economy and country devastated. Although Saddam Hussein claimed that the war with Iran had been a success, it did not appear to his people. prices of basic necessities were extremely high and the people were unhappy with him. moreover, the Iraqi government had built up a large army numbering a million personnel during the war. Saddam Hussein feared that the Iraqi army would turn against him if the situation in Iraq did not improve.

He is person who is filled with ambitions and would not like others to defy against him. he wants everyone to do at his bidding. to prevent defiance, Hussein had to be very firm.

3. Iraq's official reason

the Iraqi government claimed that it had gone into Kuwait at the request of revolutionaries to free Kuwait from the ruling government. Iraq then warned other countries not to intervene, threatening to kill Kuwaitis if outside powers were intervened. on the contrast, Kuwait did not want Iraq to help them. they are actually using the chance to take over Kuwait.

4. worsening relationship

After Saddam ended his war with Iran, Iraq was in debt. Many accusations were thrown at Kuwait, 1st it was Kuwait was stealing oil from Iraq (Kuwait is an oil rich country) after that, Saddam claimed that Kuwait is a part of Iraq. Thats when he cowardly invaded a small neighbor, and was forced out of Kuwait at Feb 26 1991 where his so called brave soldiers were running away back to Iraq.

First answer by Fed. Last edit by Fisheyy. Contributor trust: 19 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 58 [recommend question]