8/17/2019 1 (S4)- Causes of Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

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Causes of Iraq-Kuwait Conflict 

Factor Explanation Elaboration

Historical Enmity 1. Both countries shared a commonhistory.

2. In 1961, the British granted Kuwaitindependence. However, this was notrecognised by Iraq.

3. Iraq claimed Kuwait belonged to themand sent troops to capture it.

4. In 1961, Iraq gave up its claim due topressure from the Arab neighbours and monetary aid from Kuwait.

5. However, there were instances where

Iraq used military power to threatenKuwait over border disputes.

6. Kuwait was upset as theysaw Iraq’s actions asbullying.

7. Thus, it increased theconflict between them.

Economic Problems(Oil Production)

*** KEY REASON ***

1. Iraq owed huge debts due to the Iran-Iraq war it has just fought.

2. Needed money to repay the debts and rebuild the country.

3. The best way for them to do so was toearn revenue from the sale of oil.

4. However, due to the overproduction ofoil from countries like Kuwait and UAE,

oil prices fell.

5. It caused Iraq to lose a lot of revenue.

6. Thus, Iraq felt that the UAEand Kuwait were waging aneconomic war againstthem.

7. It then increased the hatredtowards each other, leadingto conflict.

Territorial Dispute 1. Iraq and Kuwait shared a profitableoilfield - the Rumaila oil field.

2. Iraq accused Kuwait of stealing oil using slant-drilling technology.

3. Iraq demanded for US$2.4 Billion incompensation but Kuwait denied doingso and refused to pay.

--------------------------------------------------------4. Iraq’s port is shallow and big ships

cannot dock, thus they are unable totransport huge quantities of oil.

5. Two islands, Bubiyah and Warbah,owned by Kuwait, blocked off Iraq’saccess to the Gulf, affecting Iraq’s oiltransportation.

6. Iraq attempted to claim ownership ofthis islands through force but failed.

7. In 1978, they wanted to lease theislands from Kuwait but got rejected.

8. Kuwait did not lease theland as it will open doorsto further territorialdemands from Iraq.

9. Iraq saw Kuwait’s refusal asthreatening to theirnational interests andthus, it led to conflict

between them.

SOCIAL STUDIES - SEC 4 

CHAPTER 1: MANAGING PEACE AND SECURITY

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