The Persian Gulf War began in January 1991, marking the first major post–Cold War military conflict and a decisive moment in the reordering of international power. Triggered by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait the previous year, the conflict rapidly evolved into a US-led coalition war that combined overwhelming force with unprecedented global political coordination.
From invasion to international alarm
In August 1990, Iraqi forces under Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, accusing the small, oil-rich state of economic aggression and historical wrongdoing. The move shocked regional neighbours and alarmed energy markets worldwide. Kuwait’s swift occupation raised immediate fears of Iraqi dominance over Gulf oil reserves and destabilisation across the Middle East.
A new world order takes shape
The invasion coincided with the collapse of Cold War rivalries, enabling rare unity at the United Nations. A broad coalition, authorised by UN Security Council resolutions, demanded Iraq’s withdrawal and imposed sweeping economic sanctions. When diplomacy failed, a military response followed. The coalition was spearheaded by the United States, alongside forces from Europe, the Arab world, and Asia, reflecting an unusually wide international consensus.
Operation Desert Storm begins
On 17 January 1991, coalition forces launched Operation Desert Storm with a massive air campaign targeting Iraqi command centres, infrastructure, and military units. Precision-guided munitions, satellite intelligence, and real-time media coverage showcased a new era of high-technology warfare. The opening weeks were dominated by air power, designed to cripple Iraq’s capacity before any ground assault.
Ground war and rapid conclusion
After more than a month of aerial bombardment, coalition ground forces advanced into Kuwait and southern Iraq. The ground phase was brief but decisive, lasting just 100 hours. Iraqi troops, already weakened by air strikes and low morale, collapsed quickly. By late February 1991, Kuwait was liberated, and a ceasefire was declared.
Economic and geopolitical implications
The war stabilised oil markets in the short term but entrenched a long-term Western military presence in the Gulf. It reinforced the United States’ role as the dominant global military power and established a template for coalition warfare under UN authority. At the same time, unresolved issues — including sanctions, weapons inspections, and regional grievances — laid the groundwork for future confrontations with Iraq.
Media, perception, and legacy
The Persian Gulf War was the first conflict broadcast live to a global audience, shaping public perception through continuous television coverage. Its apparent speed and precision fostered optimism about limited, technology-driven wars, an assumption later challenged by subsequent conflicts in the region.
The beginning of the Persian Gulf War thus represented more than a response to territorial aggression. It signalled a shift in how wars would be fought, justified, and perceived in the post–Cold War era — a conflict whose legacy continues to influence Middle Eastern politics and global security strategy today.
Newshub Editorial in Asia – 16 January 2026
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