1990 Iraq invades Kuwait, accusing Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates of driving oil prices down. The UN imposes sanctions.

Jan. 17, 1991 A US-led coalition begins the Gulf War against Iraq. Kuwait liberated just over a month later. A destroyed Iraqi tank in front of oil well fires during the war

March 2, 1991 The UN Security Council demands the elimination of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.

1996 Saddam has two of his sons-in-law killed for defecting to Jordan after luring them back to Iraq with a false pardon.

1997 Saddam repeatedly denies attempts by UN weapons inspectors to resume inspections.

Dec. 16, 1998 UN inspectors withdraw from Iraq. Four days of US-led air and missile strikes on Baghdad begin. An Iraqi radio facility moments before it is hit by US missiles

Dec. 17, 1999 UN The UN Security Council issues a resolution creating a new Iraqi disarmament commission.