Our objectives are clear: Saddam Hussein's forces will
eave Kuwait. The legitimate government of Kuwait will
e restored to its rightful place, and Kuwait will once
gain be free. Iraq will eventually comply with all relevant
United Nations resolutions, and then, when peace is
estored, it is our hope that Iraq will live as a peaceful
md cooperative member of the family of nations, thus
nhancing the security and stability of the Gulf.
ome may ask: Why act now? Why not wait? The answer
clear: The world could wait no longer. Sanctions,
nough having some effect, showed no signs of
ccomplishing their objective. Sanctions were tried for
ell over 5 months, and we and our allies concluded that
anctions alone would not force Saddam from Kuwait.
-Address to the nation announcing allied
military action in the Persian Gulf,
President George H. W. Bush, 1991
Why does President Bush believe that military action is
the best course to restore peace and liberate Kuwait?
O Peaceful negotiations and sanctions have failed to
produce results.
O Allies of the US and Kuwait have become impatient
for action.
O Hussein has a powerful army that only the US can
compete with.
O Kuwaiti forces have secured and stabilized the
region.