Final answer:
To learn what really happened in a Gulf War battle, a historian should look at military records, official reports, multiple interviews, and media coverage to gather an objective account. Understanding the broader context of the Gulf War, including the roles of Saddam Hussein and Operation Desert Storm, will also be valuable.
Step-by-step explanation:
To accurately determine what happened during the battle in the Gulf War where there's conflicting testimony about who fired first, a historian should consider multiple sources and angles. They should research military records, official reports, interviews with other soldiers and commanders on both sides, and journalistic accounts of the battle. The historian can also consult Operation Desert Storm combat footage, logs, or any communications recorded at the time. These sources could help establish a clearer picture of the sequence of events. Since there may also be political or personal bias in individual testimonies, cross-referencing as many sources as possible would be essential for the historian to approach an objective understanding of the events.
It's also pivotal for the historian to understand the broader context of the Gulf War. Iraq, under the rule of Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait, leading to a coalition, led by the United States and authorized by the UN, to launch Operation Desert Storm to liberate Kuwait. Knowing the strategic and political climate of the time may also provide clues as to which side might have been more likely to fire first in a given battle. The engagement of many nations in this operation, with the aim of curbing military aggression and promoting international law, indicates the international stakes and likely meticulous record-keeping that accompanied military operations.