Why did Hussein launch attacks on Israel in 1991?

Answer 1

Operation Desert Storm (Jan/Feb 1991) was a very simple military campaign: eject a third rate nation from the country of Kuwait. This was accomplished within "100 Hours." The only recourse Saddam had was to create a HOLY WAR; this would arose the Arab nations to rally to Iraq's support. It would then be the world against the Arabs (instead of simply kicking Iraq out of Kuwait). Times have changed today, but in 1991, Israel still had a reputation. That reputation was, "...mess with Israel, and it was war!" Israel fought back at the least attack during those times. Saddam knew this. When he launched his missiles at Israel, he knew they would counterattack him. He also knew that if Israel counter-attacked Iraq, the Arab nations would not tolerate Israel's attacking a fellow Arab nation. Saddam was have his HOLY WAR. President Bush Sr. knew all of this also. And Bush personally ensured Israel that if they didn't intervene, they would save their reputation and no further harm would to Israel. To help convince Israel not to counter-attack, the US supplied (publicly...there was more) Patriot missiles to personally protect Israel from further missile attacks. Israel did NOT counter-attack; Saddam NEVER got his Holy War; and Desert Storm successfully concluded less than 30 days after it started.