Question

question 17 of 20

what fear led the united states to become involved in the persian gulf war?

a. that iraqi forces would destroy oil fields in the region and cause environmental devastation
b. that iraq might develop nuclear capabilities and attack the united united states
c. that the independence of kuwaits neighboring countries would be in danger
d. that iraq would attempt to invade saudi arabia and take control of its oil reserves

Explanation:

Analyze the historical context of the Persian Gulf War

Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, the United States and its allies feared that Saddam Hussein's forces would continue their advance south into Saudi Arabia.

Evaluate the strategic threat

Saudi Arabia was a key US ally and held a massive portion of the world's oil reserves. If Iraq controlled both Kuwaiti and Saudi oil fields, Saddam Hussein would control a dominant share of the global oil supply, threatening international economic stability.

Match with the correct option

This specific fear of an Iraqi invasion of Saudi Arabia and the seizure of its oil reserves directly prompted the deployment of US troops to the region (Operation Desert Shield), which eventually escalated into the Persian Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm). This corresponds to option D.

Answer:

• (A) That Iraqi forces would destroy oil fields in the region and cause environmental devastation
• (B) That Iraq might develop nuclear capabilities and attack the United States
• (C) That the independence of Kuwait's neighboring countries would be in danger
• (D) That Iraq would attempt to invade Saudi Arabia and take control of its oil reserves (Correct answer)