Oil-well fires burn behind on a destroyed Iraqi tank in northern Kuwait on March 9, 1991. (AP Photo)
FROM THE ARCHIVES
The Persian Gulf War
In July 1990, an oil dispute between Kuwait and Iraq escalated into a high-stakes crisis, culminating in the Aug. 2 invasion of Kuwait by Saddam Hussein's forces. In the months that followed, the world community, led by the United States, urged Iraq to withdraw, while simultaneously preparing for the possible use of force. On Jan. 16, 1991, after Iraq let a deadline to leave Kuwait lapse, the United States led an invasion of Iraq. On Feb. 27, 1991, after a 40-day air campaign and an intense 100-hour ground offensive, a cease-fire was reached.
Below is a selection of Globe coverage of the Persian Gulf War, from the beginning of the crisis through the cease-fire, which sheds light on the current Iraq standoff.
Chronology of events leading to war
