Kuwait City: Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990 marked a turning point in the United States' Middle East policy, especially in its approach towards Gulf Arab states, according to American diplomat Richard Haass. Speaking at a seminar organized by the foreign ministry, Haass highlighted the significant challenges US foreign policy faced during this period, particularly in rallying national support for the military operation to liberate Kuwait. This was a time when the US was still dealing with the aftereffects of the Vietnam War.
According to Kuwait News Agency, Haass, who served as a close advisor to former Secretary of State Colin Powell under President George W. Bush's administration, recounted how the initial incursion into Kuwait on August 2, 1990, quickly escalated into a full-scale invasion. He noted that US political leaders ultimately agreed on the necessity of military intervention to halt Iraq's aggression.
At the Sheikh Saud Al-Nasser Al-Sabah Diplomatic Institute, Haass remembered the pivotal role of Kuwait's then-ambassador to Washington, Sheikh Saud, in securing US and international support for military intervention. He mentioned that former President Bush was committed to liberating Kuwait through military action, even if it meant proceeding without congressional backing.
Haass emphasized that history would always recognize Washington's contributions to Kuwait's liberation. He suggested that the event serves as a reminder of the essential role diplomacy plays in maintaining national security and stability.