As an expert in international relations and historical conflicts, I can provide a comprehensive analysis of the reasons behind Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990. The situation was complex and multifaceted, with a variety of factors contributing to the conflict. Here are the key points that led to the invasion:


1. Economic Disputes: One of the primary reasons cited for the invasion was the economic dispute between the two nations. Iraq accused Kuwait of slant drilling, a method of extracting oil that could potentially tap into neighboring reserves. This was seen as a significant economic threat to Iraq, as it could deplete their oil resources.


2. Debt Issues: Another economic factor was the debt that Iraq had accumulated during its prolonged war with Iran. Iraq felt that Kuwait, as a fellow member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), should assist in reducing this debt burden. Kuwait's refusal to do so was a point of contention.


3. Border Disputes: There were also longstanding territorial disputes between Iraq and Kuwait. The border had never been clearly defined, and there were claims that Kuwait was encroaching on what Iraq considered to be its territory.


4. Historical Claims: Some in Iraq, including Saddam Hussein, viewed Kuwait as historically part of Iraq. This sentiment was fueled by a desire to reclaim what was seen as lost territory.


5. Regional Dominance: The invasion can also be seen as part of a broader strategy by Saddam Hussein to assert Iraq's dominance in the region. Controlling Kuwait would give Iraq access to the Persian Gulf and significantly enhance its strategic position.


6. Internal Iraqi Politics: The invasion was also influenced by internal politics within Iraq. Saddam Hussein was consolidating power and using the invasion as a means to distract from domestic issues and to rally the Iraqi population around a common cause.

7.
International Response: The international community's response to Iraq's actions during the Iran-Iraq War also played a role. There was a perception that the West was lenient towards Iraq's aggressive actions, which may have emboldened Saddam Hussein.

8.
Military Build-up: Prior to the invasion, Iraq had been building up its military capabilities, which may have led to overconfidence in its ability to successfully invade and occupy Kuwait.

It's important to note that while these factors provide a framework for understanding the invasion, they do not justify the act of aggression. The invasion of Kuwait was a violation of international law and led to a significant humanitarian crisis and the loss of many lives.

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In early 1990 Iraq was accusing Kuwait of stealing Iraqi petroleum through slant drilling, although some Iraqi sources indicated Saddam Hussein's decision to attack Kuwait was made a few months before the actual invasion.read more >>