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Desert Shield

Definition

Operation Desert Shield was a U.S.-led military operation from August 1990 to January 1991 that aimed at defending Saudi Arabia after Iraq invaded Kuwait.

Analogy

Imagine you're playing a game of chess. Your opponent makes an aggressive move (like Iraq invading Kuwait). In response, you position your pieces defensively to protect your king (Saudi Arabia). That defensive strategy is like Operation Desert Shield.

Related terms

Kuwait Invasion: The event where Iraq invaded Kuwait in August 1990 under Saddam Hussein’s leadership causing international outrage leading to military intervention.

Coalition Forces: Military alliances formed between several countries during conflicts or wars. During Desert Shield, coalition forces included US-led NATO members and other Arab states against Iraq.

United Nations Security Council (UNSC): One of six main parts of United Nations responsible for maintaining peace & security among nations. UNSC passed resolutions condemning Iraq's invasion leading up to Desert Shield.

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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.