Desert Storm 25th Anniversary: Part 2 – Operation Desert Shield Published Jan. 15, 2016 By Senior Airman Sean D. Smith Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Once Iraq invaded Kuwait in 1990, Saddam Hussein's behavior toward his neighbors, particularly Saudi Arabia, grew more aggressive. The world's primary concern, on top of the invasion's effect on an already unstable region, was that Iraqi armed forces were now uncomfortably close to Saudi Arabian oil fields which held considerable strategic significance. Iraq's relationship with Saudi Arabia was already on the rocks, thanks to a debt of more than 25 billion dollars that Saddam had no intention of paying. Saddam was seen as being one short step away from controlling the single largest reserve of oil in the world, and his rhetoric at the time made a lot of people nervous. King Fahd of Saudi Arabia called on U.S. President George H. Bush for assistance, and Bush readily agreed. The decision for America to get involved can also be seen as a reflection of the Carter Doctrine, a policy put in place by former President Jimmy Carter. Carter's National Security Advisor's statement in the document was this: "...An attempt by any outside force to gain control of the Persian Gulf will be regarded as an assault on the vital interests of the United States of America, and such an assault will be repelled by any means necessary, including military force." Bush announced Operation Desert Shield, which began Aug. 7, 1990. Desert Shield was a reinforcement of Saudi defenses, and a show of force intended to discourage Saddam from doing anything reckless. A coalition was formed to demonstrate the global opposition to Saddam's aggression, and support the defense of Saudi Arabia. There was reluctance on the part of many of the coalition members, as many nations believed the issues between Iraq and Saudi Arabia were a problem for the immediate region, and many more nations were dubious about helping increase American influence in the Middle East. But Saddam was enormously unpopular, and the threat he posed to Saudi Arabia's oil was a threat to the global economy. Ultimately, the largest coalition since World War II was formed, including forces from 34 countries, while even more countries contributed money to the effort. American Army General Norman Schwarzkopf, Jr. became the commander of the coalition forces in the gulf, and naval groups, air forces, and ground forces were delivered by fast sealift ships. Bush initially characterized the mission in the Persian Gulf as "wholly defensive," but it didn't stay defensive for long. Next time: Operation Desert Storm