As an expert in the field of political history, I can provide a detailed account of the presidency during the time of Operation Desert Storm. Operation Desert Storm, a significant military campaign, was part of a larger conflict known as the Gulf War. It was initiated to liberate Kuwait from the occupation of Iraqi forces. The operation was a multinational effort under the auspices of the United Nations, with the goal of reversing the Iraqi annexation of Kuwait, which had occurred on August 2, 1990. George H. W. Bush served as the President of the United States during Operation Desert Storm. His tenure as the 41st President of the United States was from January 20, 1989, to January 20, 1993. Bush's leadership during this time was marked by his ability to form a coalition of 35 nations to address the Iraqi aggression against Kuwait. This coalition was one of the largest and most diverse in history, reflecting the international community's commitment to collective security and the rule of law. The decision to initiate military action was not taken lightly. It was preceded by a period of economic sanctions and diplomatic efforts to persuade Iraq to withdraw from Kuwait. When these efforts failed, the United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 678, which authorized the use of "all necessary means" to force Iraq out of Kuwait if it had not done so by January 15, 1991. President Bush announced the commencement of Operation Desert Storm on January 16, 1991, one day after the deadline set by the UN. The operation was characterized by a swift and precise application of military force, including a prolonged aerial bombardment followed by a ground assault. The success of Operation Desert Storm was largely due to the overwhelming air superiority achieved by the coalition forces, which significantly degraded Iraqi military capabilities. The ground war phase of the operation lasted only 100 hours, leading to a swift liberation of Kuwait and the defeat of the Iraqi forces. President Bush's handling of the Gulf War, including Operation Desert Storm, is often regarded as a high point in his presidency. It demonstrated the effectiveness of international diplomacy and the importance of alliances in addressing global security challenges. The operation also had significant implications for the post-Cold War world order, showcasing the emergence of the United States as the sole superpower capable of leading such a large-scale military operation. However, the aftermath of the conflict also presented challenges. The decision not to pursue Iraqi forces into Baghdad and to topple Saddam Hussein's regime led to debates about the long-term strategy in the region. These decisions and their consequences would continue to shape U.S. foreign policy and military engagements in the Middle East for years to come. In summary, George H. W. Bush was the president who led the United States during Operation Desert Storm. His leadership in forming a broad international coalition and his decision to use military force to liberate Kuwait from Iraqi occupation marked a pivotal moment in modern history. read more >>

Operation Desert Storm: 25 Years Since the First Gulf War. On January 16, 1991, President George H. W. Bush announced the start of what would be called Operation Desert Storm--a military operation to expel occupying Iraqi forces from Kuwait, which Iraq had invaded and annexed months earlier.Jan 14, 2016read more >>