Operation Desert Shield

Definition

Operation Desert Shield was a military operation initiated by the United States in 1990 to protect Saudi Arabia from potential Iraqi aggression following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. This operation marked the beginning of U.S. involvement in the Gulf War and involved the deployment of a significant number of American troops and coalition forces to deter further Iraqi expansion and to safeguard regional stability.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Operation Desert Shield began on August 7, 1990, just days after Iraq invaded Kuwait, as the U.S. aimed to prevent further Iraqi advances into Saudi Arabia.
2. The operation involved the deployment of over 500,000 American troops and hundreds of thousands from coalition partners, making it one of the largest military mobilizations since World War II.
3. A major goal of Operation Desert Shield was to bolster the defenses of Saudi Arabia and reassure both the Saudi government and regional allies.
4. The operation lasted until January 16, 1991, when it transitioned into Operation Desert Storm, which was aimed at liberating Kuwait from Iraqi control.
5. Operation Desert Shield was significant for demonstrating U.S. commitment to collective security and established a precedent for future American military interventions in the Middle East.

Review Questions

• How did Operation Desert Shield set the stage for subsequent military actions in the Gulf region?
  • Operation Desert Shield established a crucial foundation for future military actions by demonstrating U.S. resolve against aggression in the Middle East. By deploying a large number of troops to protect Saudi Arabia, it signaled a commitment to regional stability and collective security among coalition partners. This preparation allowed for a swift transition into Operation Desert Storm, showcasing the effectiveness of military readiness in responding to international crises.
• What were the key strategic objectives of Operation Desert Shield and how did they reflect U.S. foreign policy interests in the region?
  • The key strategic objectives of Operation Desert Shield included deterring Iraqi aggression, protecting Saudi Arabia's territorial integrity, and ensuring the stability of global oil supplies. These goals reflected U.S. foreign policy interests focused on maintaining regional stability and countering threats to allies in the Middle East. The operation aimed not only to safeguard immediate national security interests but also to uphold a broader commitment to collective security in an area crucial to global energy resources.
• Evaluate the impact of Operation Desert Shield on U.S. military strategy and international relations in the post-Cold War era.
  • Operation Desert Shield had a profound impact on U.S. military strategy and international relations following the Cold War. It demonstrated a willingness to engage militarily in conflicts outside traditional Cold War contexts, setting a precedent for future interventions in places like Afghanistan and Iraq. Additionally, it showcased the effectiveness of multinational coalitions in addressing global security threats, thereby reshaping how the U.S. approached alliances and partnerships in international relations during this new geopolitical landscape.

Related terms

Gulf War:

A conflict that began in 1990 when Iraq invaded Kuwait, leading to a coalition of nations led by the United States launching Operation Desert Storm to expel Iraqi forces.

Coalition Forces: A multinational military alliance formed during the Gulf War, consisting of various countries that supported the United States in opposing Iraq's aggression.

Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait: The event in August 1990 when Iraq, led by President Saddam Hussein, invaded its neighbor Kuwait, leading to widespread international condemnation and military intervention.