Final answer:
As Iraq withdrew from Kuwait during the Persian Gulf Conflict, coalition forces, led by the U.S., had successfully liberated Kuwait within 100 hours of their ground invasion. Iraqi uprisings followed but were suppressed, and Saddam Hussein remained in power until 2003. The coalition's strategy reinforced international law but avoided regime change in Iraq.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Persian Gulf Conflict, as Iraq withdrew from Kuwait, several significant events took place. After Iraq invaded Kuwait to gain control over its oil wealth in August 1990, a coalition led by the United States initiated Operation Desert Storm to liberate Kuwait.
On January 16, 1991, aerial assaults began and were broadcast live, with the ground invasion starting on February 24, 1991. This military campaign proved highly successful, and within one hundred hours, Iraqi forces had retreated.
Following the retreat, uprisings by Kurdish and Shi'a populations erupted within Iraq, hoping to overthrow President Saddam Hussein. However, these revolts were brutally suppressed by Hussein's regime. While the international coalition ceased their advance and did not topple Hussein, they left a cease-fire in place.
The consequences of not removing Hussein from power had long-term implications, as he would continue to rule until 2003.
The Persian Gulf War highlighted the international community's intolerance for military aggression and reinforced international law and organizations like the United Nations.
Despite the immense destruction to the Iraqi military, particularly on the 'Highway of Death', the coalition forces avoided direct regime change, focusing instead on the liberation of Kuwait and the stability of the region.