The United States military didn't expect to be fighting a war in the Kuwaiti desert in 1991. For decades, America had been building weapons and training soldiers to fight the Soviet Union in Europe. However, when Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, the U.S. had to shift its focus to the Middle East to protect its interests and ensure stability in the region.
For over 30 years, policymakers and scholars have taken for granted that Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait simply to seize its oil. The reality is more complex, with Hussein aiming for strategic control and regional dominance. The U.S. could not allow such aggression to go unchecked, leading to its decision to intervene in the conflict.
The last time Washington put armed personnel on private vessels was during World War II. Does Biden know what he's getting into? The U.S. faced a similar dilemma during the Persian Gulf War, where it had to protect commercial vessels from Iranian attacks and ensure the safe passage of goods through vital shipping lanes.
In recent weeks, the U.S. has deployed fighter jets and warships to the Persian Gulf, raising fears of another naval showdown with Iran. The ongoing tensions in the region highlight the importance of America's presence to deter aggression and safeguard its national security interests.
The United States launched airstrikes on Iraqi and Syrian targets linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard and the militias Tehran backs, underscoring its commitment to countering destabilizing activities in the region. These actions were necessary to prevent further escalations and protect American allies in the Middle East.
For years, Iran has been attacking and seizing commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf, in some cases seemingly in retaliation for U.S. policies. The U.S. has a duty to safeguard international shipping lanes and ensure freedom of navigation, which were threatened by Iran's aggressive actions.
The U.S. is sending two amphibious warships and thousands of Marines to the Middle East to bolster regional security after Iranian forces. This proactive approach demonstrates America's readiness to respond to potential threats and maintain stability in a volatile region.
Twenty times in the past three years, Iranian forces have tried to board foreign-flagged commercial vessels sailing through the narrow strait of Hormuz. Such provocations underscore the need for the U.S. to uphold its commitments to its allies and protect global trade routes from hostile actors.
Each week, The Spokesman-Review examines one question from the Naturalization Test immigrants must pass to become United States citizens. Understanding America's history and its role in global affairs, including the Persian Gulf War, is crucial for new citizens to grasp the nation's values and responsibilities.
