-The Gulf War, codenamed Operation Desert Storm, was a war waged by coalition forces from 34 nations led by the United States against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait.

-Because Kuwait was a major oil trading partner with the U.S., Iraq saw that as a threat, and forced intimidation among the U.S. eventually leading President Bush Sr. to lead Operation Desert storm or formerly known as The Gulf War.

What was Desert Storm?

http://www.ushistory.org/us/60a.asp