An in-depth study of the land campaign led by the USA and the Allied forces against Iraq during the Gulf War.

In 1980, Iraq invaded Iran, triggering an eight-year war. By the late 1980s, Iraq was heavily in debt, having accumulated enormous liabilities, and neighboring Kuwait, rich in oil and which Iraq had constantly claimed as part of Greater Iraq, appeared to be the perfect solution. Saddam Hussein's invasion in August 1990 brought one of the largest Arab armies into conflict with a smaller one, and Kuwait fell within days.

Annoyed by this development and concerned about Hussein's military strength, Saudi Arabia began negotiations with the USA, the United Kingdom, and France to create an alliance to oust Iraq from Kuwait. More than 30 countries joined the coalition forces. Operation Desert Shield had begun.

With modern images, maps, diagrams, and stunning artwork, this book by expert historian Steve J. Zaloga explores the coalition forces' response to help liberate Kuwait after a month-long aerial campaign aimed at weakening Iraqi forces. While Iraq was defeated, the war did not overthrow Hussein, and conflict resumed a decade later. This detailed study brings to life the Gulf War's land campaign.