The document summarizes the key causes of conflict between Iraq and Kuwait in the late 1980s and early 1990s. There were three main factors: 1) A historical enmity dating back to Kuwait's independence from Britain in 1961; 2) Economic problems stemming from a drop in global oil prices in the 1980s that hurt Iraq's economy; and 3) Territorial disputes over oil fields and islands along the border which Iraq claimed were rightfully theirs. Taken together, these historical tensions, economic grievances, and border issues increased hostility between the two countries and ultimately led to Iraq invading and occupying Kuwait.

1. SOCIAL STUDIES - SEC 4
CHAPTER 1: MANAGING PEACE AND SECURITY
Causes of Iraq-Kuwait Conflict
Factor Explanation Elaboration
Historical Enmity 1. Both countries shared a common 6. Kuwait was upset as they
history. saw Iraq’s actions as
bullying.
2. In 1961, the British granted Kuwait
independence. However, this was not 7. Thus, it increased the
recognised by Iraq. conflict between them.
3. Iraq claimed Kuwait belonged to them
and sent troops to capture it.
4. In 1961, Iraq gave up its claim due to
pressure from the Arab neighbours
and monetary aid from Kuwait.
5. However, there were instances where
Iraq used military power to threaten
Kuwait over border disputes.
Economic Problems 1. Iraq owed huge debts due to the Iran- 6. Thus, Iraq felt that the UAE
(Oil Production) Iraq war it has just fought. and Kuwait were waging an
economic war against
2. Needed money to repay the debts
them.
and rebuild the country.
7. It then increased the hatred
3. The best way for them to do so was to
*** KEY REASON *** towards each other, leading
earn revenue from the sale of oil.
to conflict.
4. However, due to the overproduction of
oil from countries like Kuwait and UAE,
oil prices fell.
5. It caused Iraq to lose a lot of revenue.
Territorial Dispute 1. Iraq and Kuwait shared a profitable 8. Kuwait did not lease the
oilfield - the Rumaila oil field. land as it will open doors
to further territorial
2. Iraq accused Kuwait of stealing oil
demands from Iraq.
using slant-drilling technology.
9. Iraq saw Kuwait’s refusal as
3. Iraq demanded for US$2.4 Billion in
threatening to their
compensation but Kuwait denied doing
national interests and
so and refused to pay.
thus, it led to conflict
-------------------------------------------------------- between them.
4. Iraq’s port is shallow and big ships
cannot dock, thus they are unable to
transport huge quantities of oil.
5. Two islands, Bubiyah and Warbah,
owned by Kuwait, blocked off Iraq’s
access to the Gulf, affecting Iraq’s oil
transportation.
6. Iraq attempted to claim ownership of
this islands through force but failed.
7. In 1978, they wanted to lease the
islands from Kuwait but got rejected.
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