On August 2, 2010, Iraqi soldiers invaded the Gulf state of Kuwait in the early morning hours, precipitating the start of the Persian Gulf War.
Following the eight-year Iran-Iraq War, which ended in 1988, Iraq was in debt, partly to neighboring Kuwait. Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein decided to launch an invasion of the oil-rich country for "control of Kuwait's oil and wealth, the military advantage of frontage on the Persian Gulf, Pan-Arabism under Iraqi leadership, and a way to generate popular support in the wake of its defeat in the Iran-Iraq War," explains Encyclopedia Britannica.
At around 2 a.m. local time on Aug. 2, 1990, more than 100,000 Iraqi troops crossed the border into Kuwait. Within just a few hours the first Iraqi troops had reached downtown Kuwait City, waving flags and taking up their positions.
Thousands of foreigners were forbidden to leave Iraq or Kuwait for several days after the invasion. Many were taken hostage by the Iraqi army to be used as "human shields."
Iraq established a provisional government and on Aug. 8, it announced that it had annexed Kuwait. Read the full story.
August 2 is the birthday of British actor Peter O'Toole, best known for his portrayal of "Lawrence of Arabia." Read our biography.
Read our article on T.E. Lawrence, the real life Lawrence of Arabia. |
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