ABSTRACT
The Gulf War broke out in the broad strategic context of the end of the Cold War and the changing balance of power in the Middle East. A confrontation in the Gulf seemed likely already in May 1990, given Saddam Hussein attitude at the summit of Arab countries in Baghdad. Due to its strategic location and rich energy resources, the Persian Gulf has traditionally been the site of competition for influence among superpowers and for access to energy resources. The West was aware that even if Gulf States commenced joint military operations, they would still lack the means to counter the most powerful army in the region – the million-strong and well equipped armed forces of Iraq. In the initial phase of the conflict between Iraq and Kuwait, before ground forces entered Kuwait, there was a proposal to find a solution by Arab states.
