Final answer:
The surge in President George H. W. Bush's approval ratings after the Gulf War in 1991 is attributed to foreign policy success during Operation Desert Storm.
Step-by-step explanation:
The surge in President George H. W. Bush's approval ratings during and immediately following the Gulf War in 1991 was an example of foreign policy success. Bush's leadership during the Gulf War solidified international support and demonstrated American military strength, which contributed to his historical approval rating of 89 percent in March 1991. The success of Operation Desert Storm and the effective diplomatic efforts that led many around the world to view the action as legitimate greatly enhanced President Bush's approval ratings, although these high levels of public support proved to be short-lived.