Autonomy and Responsibility: The United States involvement in the Persian Gulf :: Essays Papers

Autonomy and Responsibility: The United States' involvement in the Persian Gulf The United States' involvement in the Persian Gulf War showed the responsibility of the country to maintain peace and order, but more importantly, the conflict showed that the United States has a responsibility to oversee control of the world's natural resources. â€Å"On Aug. 2, 1990, Iraqi military forces, on orders from President Saddam Hussein, invaded and occupied the small country of Kuwait.†1 Kuwait, a small country in the Middle East, contains a large amount of oil that Iraq wished to take control of to help solve the economic problems of their country. A very important decision faced the United States, whether or not to risk lives of American soldiers to free Kuwait. By freeing Kuwait, the United States would be able to maintain Kuwait’s control over oil prices in the United States. The United States, fearing Iraqi control of Kuwait’s oil supply, initiated an offensive military action on January 16, 1991, over five months after Iraq’s in itial invasion.2 Thus beginning a conflict known as the Persian Gulf War. The United States, standing â€Å"for law and order and justice,† had a responsibility to free Kuwait after peaceful negotiations failed and the economic future of Kuwait, Iraq, United States, and the rest of the world was in danger pending Iraq’s control of the regions natural resources.3 So that citizens would be peaceful and supportive, the United States' use of military action was justified by the helpless Kuwait citizens and the fear of Iraqi control of oil prices in America. The public opinion on the United States’ responsibility to join the war involved several complex arguments and counter-arguments. One such argument involved the United States being the world’s police force. Since the United States controls most of the world power, many feel as though the United States should maintain order throughout the world. Unfortunately, this maintenance of order is not at a cheap cost. The United States spends billions of dollars to support its military forces and figures increase during war times. This created a huge dilemma among the nations leaders. The cost of war may or may not have been worth the cost of the government being involved in the Persian Gulf War. The government made the tough decision to engage in offensive military actions to free Kuwait on the basis that the price of war was less than the apparent price of allowing Iraq to control Kuwait and their oil supply.