Chapter 2 The unprecedented embargo: The UN arms sanctions against Iraq, 1990–2004

Abstract

Following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990, the international community took vigorous, unprecedented steps to curb Saddam Hussein's military ambitions. The central component of these actions was a set of comprehensive arms, aviation, maritime, and economic sanctions, each imposed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). When the multinational coalition forces ousted Iraq from Kuwait the following year, the UNSC made these sanctions and embargoes a component of the armistice agreement. Over time, these sanctions were subsequently used as leverage to press for Iraqi compliance with relevant UNSC resolutions calling for Iraqi disarmament.¹

Citation

Bures, O. and Lopez, G.A. (2009), "Chapter 2 The unprecedented embargo: The UN arms sanctions against Iraq, 1990–2004", Brzoska, M. and Lopez, G.A. (Ed.) Putting Teeth in the Tiger: Improving the Effectiveness of Arms Embargoes (Contributions to Conflict Management, Peace Economics and Development, Vol. 10), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 29-53. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1572-8323(2009)0000010006