Final answer:
The exception suggesting that the United States was not losing influence in world affairs during the 1970s is d. Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, which occurred in 1990, outside of the 1970s timeframe.
Step-by-step explanation:
This event took place in August 1990, well after the 1970's era, marking the beginning of the Gulf War. The events from the 1970s, such as the fall of South Vietnam, the seizure of American hostages in Iran, and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, suggested a declining U.S influence during that decade.
When examining U.S. foreign policy in the 1970s, the fall of South Vietnam, following a prolonged and controversial military involvement, demonstrated the limitations of the United States' power in containing communism. The Iran hostage crisis further undermined America's stature, as it was unable to swiftly resolve the situation when 52 American diplomats and citizens were held hostage. Similarly, the Soviet Union's military action in Afghanistan illustrated the challenges faced by the U.S. in curbing Soviet expansion during the Cold War.
In contrast, the U.S response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait under the leadership of President George H. W. Bush was seen as a demonstration of American capability to form an international coalition and achieve its objectives in the Gulf War, reaffirming U.S. influence in international affairs at the time.