Confrontation in the Gulf: Unintended Consequences

Authors

William F. Hickman

Abstract

By invading Kuwait, Saddam Hussein has once again become the catalyst of change in the Middle East. As in the case of his decision to invade and annex the oil fields of southwestern Iran in 1980, he may have calculated that he could achieve his 1990 goals in Kuwait quickly; but just as he did not foresee the fanatical response from [ran, he did not foresee that his actions in Kuwait would forge a new coalition of nations to oppose him. The ultimate result is not yet apparent, but what has already become clear is that Saddam's actions will again have serious but completely unintended consequences, both for Iraq and the world.

Recommended Citation

Hickman, William F. (1991) "Confrontation in the Gulf: Unintended Consequences," Naval War College Review: Vol. 44: No. 1, Article 4.
Available at: https://digital-commons.usnwc.edu/nwc-review/vol44/iss1/4