The effects of the Gulf War 1990–91 on Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This dissertation examines the effects of the Gulf War of 1990–91 on Saudi Arabia, focusing on its sociopolitical, foreign policy, and security implications. The Gulf War, triggered by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait, had wide-ranging consequences for the region, and Saudi Arabia, as a neighbouring country, experienced significant impacts. On a sociopolitical level, the Gulf War led to an internal division and debates among the public, especially among intellectuals and academics regarding the foreign policy decisions, religious interpretations and societal values. These sociopolitical dynamics continue to shape Saudi Arabia’s domestic landscape to this day. In foreign policy, the Kingdom reassessed its relationship with its neighbouring countries, especially with regard to providing financial aid, and even severed diplomatic relations with some countries. Contrastingly, some its diplomatic relations were restored with other countries based on their positions in the Gulf War. As to security, the Kingdom hosted international coalition forces on its soil during the Gulf War, and was subjected to political criticism from within and abroad. However, the survival of the American bases even after the end of the war and the liberation of Kuwait created security problems for Saudi Arabia. Terrorist groups such as al-Qaeda launched terrorist operations against government facilities and US interests in order to expel the military presence of the United States from the country.