Did the Middle Eastern mess in which we all now flounder start on this date in history?

Not exactly.  Strife, unrest and bloodshed in the region goes back to Biblical times thousands of years ago, but modern U.S. military involvement does mark an August 2, 1990 milestone.  It was on his date that Saddam Hussein lit the fuse on his ultimate demise when he rolled into Kuwait, claiming it for Iraq.

Nations around the world responded saying to Saddam “not so fast, Sparky” and the rest is the history we are living today.

Thanks to all vets everywhere for your service and sacrifice.

 Key Dates: The First Gulf War

2 August 1990—Iraq invades Kuwait. Saddam Hussein proclaims Kuwait as a province of Iraq.

7 August 1990—Operation Desert Shield begins. The first US forces arrive in Saudi Arabia.

29 November 1990—UN authorizes any force necessary to remove Iraqi forces from Kuwait. Iraqis are given to 15 January to leave Kuwait.

21 January 1991—Congress grants President George H.W. Bush the authority to use military force.

15 January 1991—Deadline passes for Iraqi withdrawal.

16 January 1991—Air campaign begins against military leadership targets in Kuwait and Iraq (concentrating on Baghdad).

24 February 1991—Desert Storm begins as coalition ground forces drive on Iraqi forces in Kuwait.

28 February 1991—After 100 hours, Iraq agrees to a ceasefire. Iraqi forces have retreated from Kuwait. The United States (under the leadership of President George H.W. Bush, Defense Secretary Dick Cheney and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Colin Powell) is satisfied with U.N. objectives and does not push on to Baghdad. Within Iraq, Saddam brutally crushes Shi'ite and Kurdish opposition.

3 March 1991—Iraq accepts conditions for a permanent cease fire.

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