In 1990, Saudi Arabia found itself in a state of fear and apprehension due to the actions of its neighboring country, Iraq. The primary reason for this fear was the American invasion of Iraq, which the Saudi leadership strongly opposed. They believed that the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime would lead to significant consequences, including the potential breakup of Iraq, a civil war, or the emergence of an Iranian-dominated government of Iraqi Shi’as.
The seeds of this fear were sown when the United States deployed troops to Saudi Arabia on August 7, 1990. This deployment was a response to the request of Saudi Arabia’s monarch, King Fahd, who sought military assistance from the US. The Saudi leadership feared that Saddam Hussein, who had already attempted to draw coalition troops into costly ground engagements by shelling Saudi Arabian positions and oil storage tanks, would escalate the situation further by invading Saudi Arabia from southern Kuwait.
The invasion of Kuwait by Iraq was a major turning point that intensified Saudi Arabia’s fears. Iraq’s aggression towards its neighboring country raised concerns that Saudi Arabia could be the next target, especially considering the historical tensions and territorial disputes between the two nations. The Saudi leadership viewed Iraq’s actions as a threat to their national security and stability.
Additionally, the possibility of Iraq’s invasion leading to a civil war or the rise of an Iranian-dominated government of Iraqi Shi’as heightened Saudi Arabia’s concerns. Saudi Arabia, a predominantly Sunni Muslim country, feared that a power vacuum in Iraq could lead to sectarian tensions and potentially ignite a broader regional conflict. The Saudi leadership was particularly wary of Iran’s influence in Iraq, as the two countries had a history of strained relations and regional competition.
As a result of these fears, Saudi Arabia swiftly cut ties with Iraq following the invasion of Kuwait, isolating the country for the next 25 years. However, in 2014, when the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) invaded Iraq, King Abdullah attempted to revive relations by setting up an embassy in Iraq for the first time since the Gulf War. This move aimed to foster cooperation and address the shared security concerns in the region.
Ultimately, Saudi Arabia’s fear of Iraq in 1990 was driven by the potential consequences of the American invasion, including the breakup of Iraq, a civil war, or an Iranian-dominated government. The Saudi leadership believed that these outcomes would pose significant threats to their national security and stability. Understanding this context is crucial to comprehending Saudi Arabia’s actions and decisions during that period.
Why Did Saudi Arabia Fear And Iraq Invasion?
Saudi Arabia feared the invasion of Iraq for several reasons:
1. Destabilization of Iraq: The Saudi leadership believed that the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime would result in a power vacuum, leading to internal chaos and potentially a civil war. This instability could spill over into neighboring countries and have a negative impact on the region’s stability.
2. Iranian influence: Another concern for Saudi Arabia was the potential rise of an Iranian-dominated government in Iraq, particularly given the majority population of Shi’as in Iraq. The Saudi leadership worried that this would lead to an increase in Iranian influence in the region, posing a threat to Saudi Arabia’s own interests and regional dominance.
3. Sectarian tensions: Saudi Arabia has a majority Sunni population, while Iraq has a significant Shi’a population. The Saudi leadership was apprehensive that the invasion would exacerbate sectarian tensions and potentially ignite a sectarian conflict within Iraq and across the region. This could also have implications for Saudi Arabia’s internal stability, as it has a sizable Shi’a minority population.
4. Geopolitical considerations: Saudi Arabia has traditionally seen itself as a regional power and a leader of the Arab world. The invasion of Iraq by the United States, without the support of Arab nations, was seen as a breach of Arab solidarity and a challenge to Saudi Arabia’s regional influence. The Saudi leadership feared that the invasion would weaken their position and allow other powers, such as Iran, to fill the void.
Saudi Arabia’s opposition to the invasion of Iraq stemmed from concerns about destabilization, the rise of Iranian influence, sectarian tensions, and the erosion of its own regional standing.
Why Did The U.S. Send Troops Into Saudi Arabia In 1990?
The United States sent troops into Saudi Arabia in 1990 for several reasons. The main factor was the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq under the leadership of Saddam Hussein. This invasion threatened the stability and security of the region, particularly the oil-rich countries in the Persian Gulf.
Here are the main reasons for the US military intervention in Saudi Arabia in 1990:
1. Protection of Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia, being a major oil producer and a key ally of the United States in the region, was vulnerable to potential Iraqi aggression. The US wanted to ensure the protection of Saudi Arabia and its oil fields from any further Iraqi incursions.
2. Preservation of regional stability: The invasion of Kuwait by Iraq was seen as a direct threat to the stability of the entire Middle East. The US aimed to prevent Iraq from gaining control over Kuwait’s vast oil reserves and potentially expanding its influence in the region, which could have destabilized other Gulf countries.
3. Defense of international law and norms: The US, along with the international community, condemned Iraq’s act of aggression as a violation of international law and the principle of territorial integrity. By responding with military force, the US aimed to deter future acts of aggression and uphold the norms of the international system.
4. Protection of global oil supply: The Persian Gulf region is a crucial source of oil for the global economy. The US military intervention was aimed at safeguarding the flow of oil and preventing any disruption to the global oil market, which could have had severe economic consequences worldwide.
5. Support for Saudi Arabia’s request: King Fahd of Saudi Arabia had requested US military assistance, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the situation. The US considered it crucial to honor this request and demonstrate its commitment to supporting its allies in the region.
The US sent troops into Saudi Arabia in 1990 to protect Saudi Arabia, preserve regional stability, defend international law, safeguard the global oil supply, and respond to the request for military assistance from Saudi Arabia’s monarch.
Did Iraq Want To Invade Saudi Arabia?
Iraq under the leadership of Saddam Hussein did have intentions to invade Saudi Arabia. After occupying Kuwait in August 1990, Saddam Hussein attempted to draw Coalition forces into costly ground engagements by launching attacks on Saudi Arabian positions and oil storage tanks. Additionally, Iraq fired Scud surface-to-surface missiles at Israel in an effort to provoke Israeli involvement, which could have potentially drawn Saudi Arabia into the conflict.
Here are some key points regarding Iraq’s desire to invade Saudi Arabia:
1. Failed attempts to provoke ground engagements: Saddam Hussein’s regime initiated shelling of Saudi Arabian positions and oil storage tanks, hoping that the Coalition forces would retaliate with a ground invasion. This tactic aimed to increase the cost and complexity of the conflict for the Coalition.
2. Firing Scud missiles at Israel: Iraq launched Scud surface-to-surface missiles at Israel, with the aim of provoking Israeli involvement in the conflict. Saddam Hussein believed that Israeli intervention would lead to a broader Arab-Israeli war, which could potentially draw Saudi Arabia into the conflict.
3. Strategic importance of Saudi Arabia: Saddam Hussein viewed Saudi Arabia as a significant target due to its vast oil reserves and geopolitical influence in the region. By invading Saudi Arabia, Iraq could potentially gain control over a significant portion of the world’s oil supply and exert greater influence in the Middle East.
It is important to note that despite Saddam Hussein’s intentions, the invasion of Saudi Arabia did not materialize. The Coalition forces, led by the United States, launched Operation Desert Storm in January 1991, pushing Iraqi forces back into Kuwait and ultimately preventing the invasion of Saudi Arabia.
Are Saudi Arabia And Iraq Allies?
As of now, Saudi Arabia and Iraq can be considered as regional partners rather than allies. The relationship between the two countries has been complex and has gone through various phases in history.
1. Historical Context:
– In the 1980s, during the Iran-Iraq War, Saudi Arabia supported Iraq financially and diplomatically. However, this support diminished after the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq in 1990.
– Following the invasion, Saudi Arabia cut ties with Iraq and supported the international coalition to liberate Kuwait during the Gulf War.
– Relations remained strained throughout the 1990s and 2000s due to various geopolitical factors, including the rise of Saddam Hussein, the Iraq War, and sectarian tensions.
2. Post-Invasion:
– After the fall of Saddam Hussein and the subsequent U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, Saudi Arabia initially expressed concerns about the Shia-dominated government and its potential alignment with Iran.
– However, in recent years, efforts have been made to improve ties between the two countries. In 2015, Saudi Arabia reopened its embassy in Baghdad, marking a significant step towards reestablishing diplomatic relations.
– The rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in 2014 also played a role in bringing Saudi Arabia and Iraq closer together, as both countries recognized the need for cooperation in combating the common threat.
3. Current Relations:
– Saudi Arabia and Iraq have engaged in various high-level diplomatic exchanges and economic cooperation agreements in recent years.
– Both countries have expressed their commitment to regional stability and have cooperated on issues such as counterterrorism, border security, and energy cooperation.
– However, it is important to note that there are still underlying political, sectarian, and geopolitical tensions that continue to influence the relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
While Saudi Arabia and Iraq have made efforts to improve their relations in recent years, they cannot be considered traditional allies. The relationship is based on regional partnerships and shared interests rather than a deep alliance.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia is a complex and influential country in the Middle East, with a rich history and significant geopolitical importance. Its leadership has played a crucial role in regional affairs, particularly in relation to Iraq and its invasion of Kuwait in 1990. The Saudi government’s rejection of the American invasion of Iraq was driven by concerns about the potential consequences for the region, including the fragmentation of Iraq and the rise of Iranian influence.
Saudi Arabia’s decision to allow US troops onto its soil was a pivotal moment in the Gulf War, demonstrating its commitment to regional stability and its willingness to defend its own sovereignty. The country’s strategic location and vast oil reserves have made it a key player in global energy markets, giving it significant leverage in international affairs.
Over the years, Saudi Arabia has faced various challenges, including domestic unrest, regional conflicts, and the rise of extremist groups. However, it has maintained its position as a major power in the Middle East and has actively sought to strengthen ties with other countries in the region.
In recent years, Saudi Arabia has taken steps to improve relations with Iraq, marking a significant shift in its approach. The reestablishment of diplomatic ties in 2015 and the opening of an embassy in Iraq in 2014 are indications of the kingdom’s desire to foster stability and cooperation in the region.
As Saudi Arabia continues to navigate the complexities of regional politics, its role in shaping the future of the Middle East will undoubtedly remain significant. With its vast resources and strategic position, the country has the potential to play a crucial role in promoting peace and stability in the region, while also addressing the various challenges it faces internally.
