During George H.W. Bush's time as president, U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East was influenced by wars, oil, and the need for international cooperation. One example is the invasion of Iraq by Saddam Hussein, which led Bush to form a coalition of 34 countries to oppose Iraq's aggression in Kuwait. Another example is the U.S. invasion of Panama to remove dictator Manuel Noriega, which showed Bush’s willingness to act strongly for what he believed were human rights. I agree with Bush's approach because forming a coalition helped many countries work together to stop Iraq and protect Kuwait.
Read the following
International Conflicts
Shortly after the Berlin Wall came down, the Bush administration announced a military invasion of Panama. In December 1989, U.S. troops removed Panama's unpopular dictator Manuel Noriega, who was also a drug smuggler. Though the Bush administration claimed the invasion was on behalf of human rights, the United Nations denounced the action. There were former CIA connections between President Bush and Noriega. The United States had an interest in maintaining control of the canal zone. Leaders at the UN and around the world criticized the invasion, calling it a power grab.
As the Soviet Union was ceasing to be a threat, the Middle East became a source of increased concern. Iraq had gained a significant amount of foreign debt during the 1980s. At the same time, other Arab states had increased their oil production. This forced oil prices down and further hurt Iraq's economy.
Iraq's leader, Saddam Hussein, approached the oil-producing states for assistance, particularly Saudi Arabia and neighboring Kuwait. When talks with these countries broke down, Hussein ordered the invasion of oil-rich Kuwait in August 1990. Bush faced his first full-scale international crisis.
The president and his foreign policy team formed an uncommon international coalition in response to the invasion. Thirty-four countries opposed Iraq's aggression. The coalition included many members of NATO and the Middle Eastern countries of Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Egypt. Bush hoped that this coalition would mark the beginning of a "new world order." He wanted the nations of the world to work together to deter aggression. A deadline of January 15, 1991. was set for Iraq to withdraw from Kuwalt or face serious consequences. Bush first sent troops to the area to build up military presence in the region. The mission, called Operation Desert Shield, was to defend Saudi Arabia. On January 14, Bush succeeded in convincing Congress to approve the use of military force against Iraq. The United States then orchestrated an effective air campaign, which was followed by Operation Desert Storm, a unique land war that lasted only 100 hours. Because of the coalition, there were more than 200,000 troops from 27 other countries added to
500.000 U.S. soldiers. Iraqi forces were expelled from Kuwait by the end of February.
In 4 sentences, in an 4th graders response evaluate the factors that shaped U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East during George H.W. Bush's administration, and whether you agree with Bush's approach. Choose 2 examples from the above reading to support your response.
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