From January 16 through February 21 , US and allied air forces have conducted ferocious bombing attacks against the Iraqi military and national infrastructure . Iraq has responded with missile attacks against Saudi Arabia and Iran . Iraq now proposes an eight - point settlement plan offering full and unconditional independence from Kuwait . The plan actually contains the seeds of a significant political victory for Mr. Bush, if he can nurture it successfully. However , economic sanctions must be lifted and resolutions condemning and punishing Iraq must cease . President Bush has serious problems with the plan . It essentially would leave him in power with his Republican Guard and a significant military establishment still intact . Leaders of Israel and bordering Arab states still support an armed Saddam Hussein .
From January 16 through February 21 , US and allied air forces have conducted ferocious bombing attacks against the Iraqi military and national infrastructure . Iraq has responded with missile attacks against Saudi Arabia and Iran . Iraq now proposes an eight - point settlement plan offering full and unconditional independence from Kuwait . However , economic sanctions must be lifted and resolutions condemning and punishing Iraq must cease . President Bush has serious problems with the plan . It essentially would leave him in power with his Republican Guard and a significant military establishment still intact . Leaders of Israel and bordering Arab states still support an armed Saddam Hussein .