SOCIAL STUDIES - SEC 4

CHAPTER 1: MANAGING PEACE AND SECURITY

Causes of Iraq-Kuwait Conflict

Factor
Historical Enmity

Explanation
1. Both countries shared a common
history.
2. In 1961, the British granted Kuwait
independence. However, this was not
recognised by Iraq.

Elaboration
6. Kuwait was upset as they
saw Iraqs actions as
bullying.
7. Thus, it increased the
conflict between them.

3. Iraq claimed Kuwait belonged to them

and sent troops to capture it.
4. In 1961, Iraq gave up its claim due to
pressure from the Arab neighbours
and monetary aid from Kuwait.
5. However, there were instances where
Iraq used military power to threaten
Kuwait over border disputes.
Economic Problems
(Oil Production)

1. Iraq owed huge debts due to the IranIraq war it has just fought.
2. Needed money to repay the debts
and rebuild the country.

*** KEY REASON ***

3. The best way for them to do so was to

earn revenue from the sale of oil.

6. Thus, Iraq felt that the UAE

and Kuwait were waging an
economic war against
them.
7. It then increased the hatred
towards each other, leading
to conflict.

4. However, due to the overproduction of

oil from countries like Kuwait and UAE,
oil prices fell.
5. It caused Iraq to lose a lot of revenue.
Territorial Dispute

1. Iraq and Kuwait shared a profitable

oilfield - the Rumaila oil field.
2. Iraq accused Kuwait of stealing oil
using slant-drilling technology.
3. Iraq demanded for US$2.4 Billion in
compensation but Kuwait denied doing
so and refused to pay.
-------------------------------------------------------4. Iraqs port is shallow and big ships
cannot dock, thus they are unable to
transport huge quantities of oil.
5. Two islands, Bubiyah and Warbah,
owned by Kuwait, blocked off Iraqs
access to the Gulf, affecting Iraqs oil
transportation.
6. Iraq attempted to claim ownership of
this islands through force but failed.
7. In 1978, they wanted to lease the
islands from Kuwait but got rejected.

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8. Kuwait did not lease the

land as it will open doors
to further territorial
demands from Iraq.
9. Iraq saw Kuwaits refusal as
threatening to their
national interests and
thus, it led to conflict
between them.