Deterrence & Diplomacy

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Factors for conflict between Iraq and Kuwait (NOI HeLiuM)

National Pride

Overproduction of oil

Iraq's costly war with Iran

Historical resentment

Leadership of Saddam Hussein

Misreading US position

National Pride

Iraq and Kuwait had a dispute over Rumaila territories as well as 2 other islands; island of Bubiyan and Warbah. Iraq accused Kuwait of stealing oil from Iraq's side of Rumaila and offered to pay a lease which is strategic to Iraq's waterway. However, Kuwait dismissed Iraq's request. This then deeply insulted Iraq as Iraq saw herself as a protector of the Arab world. Especially after she had fought ten-years against Iran to defend the Arab states. Therefore, this led to the invasion of Kuwait.

Overproduction of Oil

Overproduction of oil is a factor contributing to the conflict between Iraq and Kuwait. Iraq depended mostly on oil exports for its income. Kuwait ignored the quota that OPEC had imposed in order for oil production price to not decline too drastically and produced well above the assigned limits instead. This then affected Iraq's hopes on earning more revenue from the oil sale. Kuwait did it intentionally in hopes of destroying Iraq. Thus, Iraq chose to use Military warfare to retaliate and to defend herself. Therefore, overproduction of oil led to a conflict between both countries.

Iraq's costly war with Iran

Iraq's economy went downhill and left her owning $US80 billion in debt to other countries. Many were struggled to survive and also faced tremendous hardships. Since Iraq's faced economic ruin, the government to seek ways to solve the economic problem. In such desperation, they saw Kuwait as a potential solution and began to pursue longstanding disputes and claims. Iraq retaliated against Kuwait's overproduction of oil as her earning were hard bit. This then led to a conflict between Iraq and Kuwait.