As a historian specializing in modern military conflicts, I can provide a comprehensive overview of the key players involved in the Gulf War, specifically during the combat phase known as Operation Desert Storm. The conflict was a complex international affair with multiple nations and organizations participating in various capacities. Here's a detailed look at the parties involved:


1. Coalition Forces:
- United States: The U.S. played a leading role, providing the bulk of the coalition's military power. The U.S. deployed significant ground, air, and naval forces to the region.
- United Kingdom: A key ally, the UK contributed both ground troops and a naval armada.
- France: France also played a significant role, with contributions from its air force and navy.
- Saudi Arabia: As the host nation for many coalition forces, Saudi Arabia was crucial to the operation.
- Other Nations: Countries such as Canada, Italy, Australia, Egypt, and several others provided various levels of support, including troops, financial assistance, and logistical support.


2. United Nations:
- The UN played a significant role in the lead-up to the war, passing several resolutions aimed at the peaceful resolution of the crisis. However, when diplomatic efforts failed, the UN authorized the use of force to liberate Kuwait.


3. Iraq:
- Saddam Hussein: The then-President of Iraq, Saddam Hussein, was the central figure in the conflict. His decision to invade Kuwait led to the international response known as Desert Storm.
- Iraqi Armed Forces: The Iraqi military was the primary adversary of the coalition forces during the war.


4. Kuwait:
- Government-in-Exile: After the invasion by Iraq, the legitimate government of Kuwait operated from abroad, seeking international support for their liberation.
- Kuwaiti Resistance: There were also elements within Kuwait that resisted the Iraqi occupation, although their impact on the military conflict was limited.


5. Soviet Union:
- Although not a direct participant in the military conflict, the Soviet Union played a role in the diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis and was part of the international consensus condemning Iraq's aggression.


6. Other International Actors:
- Palestinians: Interestingly, the conflict had implications for the Palestinian cause, as some Arab nations conditioned their support on progress in Palestinian rights.
- Media: The war was one of the first to be extensively covered by live satellite news broadcasts, making it a significant event in the history of media and warfare.

7.
Diplomatic Corps:
- Diplomats from around the world were heavily involved in the efforts to avert the war and later to bring it to a close.

8.
Humanitarian Organizations:
- Groups such as the Red Cross and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were involved in providing aid to those affected by the conflict.

The Desert Storm campaign was marked by a swift and decisive application of military power, utilizing advanced technology and a strategy that emphasized air superiority and rapid movement. The coalition's objective was to force Iraq out of Kuwait and to restore the sovereignty of the invaded nation.

The conflict had profound implications for international relations and military strategy, marking a shift towards modern warfare techniques and setting precedents for future conflicts. It also highlighted the importance of international law and the role of the United Nations in maintaining global peace and security.

read more >>

The Gulf War (2 August 1990 -C 28 February 1991), codenamed Operation Desert Shield (2 August 1990 -C 17 January 1991) for operations leading to the buildup of troops and defense of Saudi Arabia and Operation Desert Storm (17 January 1991 -C 28 February 1991) in its combat phase, was a war waged by coalition forces from ...read more >>