After eight years of war with Iran , Iraq was still powerful but broke . July 24: Iraq accuses Kuwait of stealing Iraqi oil. Its oil revenues fell as did oil prices . Saddam blamed the problem on Kuwait and the UAE for exceeding their oil quotas . From July 17 through August 1 Iraq made accusations of injustice and threats of retribution . On August 2 Iraqi infantry stormed into Kuwait . Kuwaiti Emir Sheik Jabir fled by helicopter . He made an urgent plea for U.S. military assistance . President Bush condemned Iraq 's aggression and then imposed a United Nations- imposed embargo of oil . Bush then committed a massive American force to protect
After eight years of war with Iran , Iraq was still powerful but broke . Its oil revenues fell as did oil prices . Saddam blamed the problem on Kuwait and the UAE for exceeding their oil quotas . From July 17 through August 1 Iraq made accusations of injustice and threats of retribution . On August 2 Iraqi infantry stormed into Kuwait . Kuwaiti Emir Sheik Jabir fled by helicopter . He made an urgent plea for U.S. military assistance . President Bush condemned Iraq 's aggression and then imposed a United Nations- imposed embargo of oil . Bush then committed a massive American force to protect