Our objectives are clear: Saddam Hussein's forces will leave Kuwait. The legitimate government of Kuwait will
be restored to its rightful place, and Kuwait will once
again be free. Iraq will eventually comply with all relevant
United Nations resolutions, and then, when peace is
restored, it is our hope that Iraq will live as a peaceful
and cooperative member of the family of nations, thus
enhancing the security and stability of the Gulf.
Some may ask: Why act now? Why not wait? The answer
is clear: The world could wait no longer. Sanctions,
though having some effect, showed no signs of
accomplishing their objective. Sanctions were tried for
well over 5 months, and we and our allies concluded that
sanctions 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.
* Kuwaiti forces have secured and stabilized the
region.