Causes of Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Factor Explanation Elaboration

Historical Enmity 1. Both countries shared a common history.

2. In 1961, the British granted Kuwait independence. However, this was not recognised by Iraq.

3. Iraq claimed Kuwait belonged to them and sent troops to capture it.

4. In 1961, Iraq gave up its claim due to pressure from the Arab neighbours and monetary aid from Kuwait.

5. However, there were instances where Iraq used military power to threaten Kuwait over border disputes.

6. Kuwait was upset as they saw Iraq’s actions as bullying.

7. Thus, it increased the conflict between them.

Economic Problems (Oil Production)

*** KEY REASON ***

1. Iraq owed huge debts due to the Iran-Iraq war it has just fought.

2. Needed money to repay the debts and rebuild the country.

3. The best way for them to do so was to earn revenue from the sale of oil.

4. However, due to the overproduction of oil from countries like Kuwait and UAE, oil prices fell.

5. It caused Iraq to lose a lot of revenue.

6. Thus, Iraq felt that the UAE and Kuwait were waging an economic war against them.

7. It then increased the hatred towards each other, leading to conflict.

Territorial Dispute 1. Iraq and Kuwait shared a profitable oilfield - the Rumaila oil field.

2. Iraq accused Kuwait of stealing oil using slant-drilling technology.

3. Iraq demanded for US$2.4 Billion in compensation but Kuwait denied doing so and refused to pay.

--------------------------------------------------------4. Iraq’s port is shallow and big ships

cannot dock, thus they are unable to transport huge quantities of oil.

5. Two islands, Bubiyah and Warbah, owned by Kuwait, blocked off Iraq’s access to the Gulf, affecting Iraq’s oil transportation.

6. Iraq attempted to claim ownership of this islands through force but failed.

7. In 1978, they wanted to lease the islands from Kuwait but got rejected.

8. Kuwait did not lease the land as it will open doors to further territorial demands from Iraq.

9. Iraq saw Kuwait’s refusal as threatening to their national interests and thus, it led to conflict between them.

SOCIAL STUDIES - SEC 4 CHAPTER 1: MANAGING PEACE AND SECURITY

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