Iraqis Still Hold
Kuwati POWs
Background:
In August of 1990 a
dispute between Iraq and Kuwait arose over territory possession and
oil prices. Iraq argued that Kuwait refused to lower oil prices by
refusing to decrease oil production. Iraq has also made claims that
Kuwait was historically part of Iraqs land. This dispute ultimately
lead to Desert Storm. Desert Storm lasted until February of 1991. The
fight ended due to intervention of the US as well as a coalition of
over 30 other countries. By then the Iraqi troops had already done
serious damage to towns, as well as destroying 742 of Kuwaits 1,080
oil wells, which led to an environmental catastrophe. In addition,
they also took thousands of Kuwaiti hostages back to Baghdad .Ten
years later 605 hostages are still being held captive as well as
tortured.
I.Kuwait and Iraqs
Geographic History
1.The significance
of the location of both countries has been the basis for many
disputes between the two countries. Since the smaller country of
Kuwait is located within the larger country of Iraq, Iraqs pressure
to gain control over Kuwait has steadily increased over the years.
2.Due to the over
abundance of oil within Kuwait, it has made the country a high
commodity. Because Kuwait is a main source of oil for a majority of
the country, control of the territory would mean a boost in the
countries economy.
II.Present
Relationship
1.The continued
imprisonment of Desert Storm POWs, is a violation of human rights as
well as the Geneva Code that states that prisoners of war must be
released upon the dissolution of the war. Saddam currently denies the
allegations of Kuwaiti prisoners being held within his country yet
refuses to let inspectors in to investigate the situation. It is
believed that Saddam is holding the prisoners as a winning card
against Kuwait, in trying to control of the territory.