Syrian-Iraqi relations and their impact on Syria's position on the crisis of the Iraqi occupation of Kuwait 1990-1991

This research examines the reasons behind the Syrian Arab Republic's supportive stance toward Kuwait during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in 1990–1991. The primary reason lies in the strained relations between the Syrian and Iraqi regimes, led by Hafez al-Assad and Saddam Hussein, respectively. The tense relationship was a key factor in Syria's opposition to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, despite the cold relations between Syria and the Gulf states, as well as Syria's negative ties with the United States.
The hostility between Syria and Iraq contributed to Syria's rapprochement with the Gulf states. Furthermore, Syria sought to break the Arab and international isolation imposed on it due to its ties with the Soviet Union and its conflict with Israel. This pursuit influenced Syria's stance on the crisis, offering an opportunity for Syria in the post-Soviet era to assume an Arab leadership role. Additionally, Syria aimed to weaken its rival Iraq on the Arab stage and secure political and economic gains, such as restoring relations with the Gulf states, opening channels for negotiations with the United States, and obtaining economic support from Gulf nations.
The research is divided into several sections: it begins with a historical overview of Kuwaiti-Iraqi relations, followed by the nature of Syrian-Iraqi relations, Syrian-American relations, and Syrian-Kuwaiti relations.Then, the research analyses Syria’s stancetoward the Iraqi invasion, and finally, Syria’s motives and gains.
The sources and references for this research include newspaper articles, televised interviews, news websites, books by Syrian political figures, some official documents from the Syrian archives, and recent studies relevant to the topic.