A long-running war between Iran and Iraq ended in August 1988, planning to agree on a peace treaty. They met in Geneva to resolve conflict of Hussein returning the land. Also known as the Persian Gulf War, this period began when Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein ordered the invasion of Kuwait in early August 1990. Arab nations such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia insisted on bringing United States involvement to the war. The US involvement began with a mass invasion called operation desert storm. Technology used by US forces included Stealth bombers, Cruise missiles, so-called “Smart” bombs with laser-guidance systems and infrared night-bombing equipment. Bush declared a ceasefire in February 1991, but most Iraqi forces already surrendered. During this time, the United Nations Security Council called for Iraq to withdraw their troops and banned trade with them. Other NATO alliances such as Britain, France, and Germany were involved. Iraqi troops mobilized to over 300,000. This impacted the US because the Middle East was a major partner in oil trade so that affected imports and exports. Though the war was a victory for US, Iran, and other countries allied against Hussein, after effects included expensive war costs, a mandation of a no-fly zone over Iraq, difficulty maintaining peace, uprising of the Kurds and the Shi’ites, and the beginning of the Second Gulf War in 2003 declared by president Bush. Historical continuity with the relationship between the US and North Korea can be seen as well because the goals of the US were to spread democracy and contain communism, since this took place near the end of the Cold War.
This impacted the veterans because some acquired an unexplained illness called Gulf War Syndrome (250,000- 700,000 affected). ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) was diagnosed to all veterans who had served continuously active for 90 days or more. Many injuries and traumas dealing with the brain such as memory loss, speech disorders, etc. Socially, this is known as the "Largely Forgotten War", despite this war having massive support from American citizens (over 50% in favor in 1990). Many soldiers felt pride in serving their country and had the largest deployment of women in the miltary at the time. However, there was some backlash to US involvement: "I'm disappointed the way our country has treated us," said Charles Sheehan-Miles, 24, a tank loader in the gulf who is now executive director of the Gulf War Veterans of New England. "I'm afraid we're getting closer to the public image the Vietnam veterans had."
This impacted the veterans because some acquired an unexplained illness called Gulf War Syndrome (250,000- 700,000 affected). ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) was diagnosed to all veterans who had served continuously active for 90 days or more. Many injuries and traumas dealing with the brain such as memory loss, speech disorders, etc. Socially, this is known as the "Largely Forgotten War", despite this war having massive support from American citizens (over 50% in favor in 1990). Many soldiers felt pride in serving their country and had the largest deployment of women in the miltary at the time. However, there was some backlash to US involvement: "I'm disappointed the way our country has treated us," said Charles Sheehan-Miles, 24, a tank loader in the gulf who is now executive director of the Gulf War Veterans of New England. "I'm afraid we're getting closer to the public image the Vietnam veterans had."