Question

which statement best completes the graphic organizer to show the events of the persian gulf war?

events of the persian gulf war

• iraqi forces invade kuwait.
• operation desert shield begins.
• ?
• operation desert storm begins.

a. a cease-fire is declared, and a peace agreement is signed.
b. iraqi forces refuse to withdraw from kuwait.
c. iraqi troops set fire to kuwaits oil fields.
d. saddam hussein declares war on the united states.

Explanation:

Analyze the chronological sequence of the Persian Gulf War

The graphic organizer lists the chronological progression of events:

1. Iraqi forces invade Kuwait (August 2, 1990).
2. Operation Desert Shield begins (August 7, 1990) to defend Saudi Arabia and build up coalition forces.
3. [Missing Event]
4. Operation Desert Storm begins (January 17, 1991) to combat and expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait.

Evaluate the options for the missing chronological step

• A. A cease-fire is declared...: This occurred at the end of the war, after Operation Desert Storm, so it cannot fit between Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
• B. Iraqi forces refuse to withdraw from Kuwait: Following the invasion and during Operation Desert Shield, the UN Security Council set a deadline (January 15, 1991) for Iraq to withdraw. Iraq's refusal to comply directly triggered the transition from the defensive Operation Desert Shield to the offensive Operation Desert Storm.
• C. Iraqi troops set fire to Kuwait's oil fields: This scorched-earth policy was executed during the retreat phase of Operation Desert Storm in early 1991, not before it began.
• D. Saddam Hussein declares war on the United States: Saddam Hussein did not formally declare war on the United States prior to Desert Storm.

Answer:

• (A) A cease-fire is declared, and a peace agreement is signed.
• (B) Iraqi forces refuse to withdraw from Kuwait. (Correct answer)
• (C) Iraqi troops set fire to Kuwait's oil fields.
• (D) Saddam Hussein declares war on the United States.