Middle East Tension: Shadow Of First Gulf War Looms Again As Border Conflict Brews Between Iraq, Kuwait

New Delhi: The shadow of the 1990 Gulf War is looming once again. Tensions are rising between two Gulf countries over maritime boundaries, and the matter has reached the United Nations. These two countries are Iraq and Kuwait. However, this is not a new issue, but an old dispute, linked to the 1990 Gulf War and subsequent resolutions.

What did Iraq tell United Nations?

This month, Iraq submitted a map and its geographical boundaries to the United Nations. In this map, it attempts to define its maritime boundaries in the Persian Gulf. Iraq claims that this map clearly demarcates its territorial waters, specifically the Khor Abdullah Strait and surrounding areas. However, Kuwait argues that the map depicts small islands and shallow areas like Fisht al-Qaid and Fisht al-Eiz as Iraqi territory. This violates Kuwait's sovereignty. Kuwait maintains that these areas have always belonged to it and have never been disputed.

What happenned during the first Gulf War?

Iraq and Kuwait also clashed in 1990. This conflict began on August 2, 1990, when Iraqi President Saddam Hussein invaded and occupied neighboring Kuwait. The primary reason for this was to seize Kuwait's oil reserves and increase regional dominance. The United Nations condemned Iraq and imposed economic sanctions. Thirty-four countries, led by the United States, formed a coalition. Military preparations were first conducted under Operation Desert Shield, and then Operation Desert Storm began on January 17, 1991.

Saddam Hussein persisted, but the US-led coalition of Western nations heavily bombed Iraq. Kuwait was liberated on February 28, 1991, after a 100-hour ground war. The coalition won decisively, but Saddam remained in power. This war profoundly affected oil prices and Middle Eastern politics.

What is the latest dispute?

The latest conflict between Iraq and Kuwait has arisen due to Iraq's claim that Kuwait has depicted several areas of the Gulf in its map. Kuwait's Foreign Ministry stated that Iraq's claim violates Kuwait's independence by including Kuwaiti areas, including Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aiz Shoal, within Iraqi territory.

Kuwait's neighbors are now supporting its stance. Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Oman have issued statements expressing solidarity. Saudi Arabia stated that it has "serious concerns" about the Iraqi map, saying it also encroaches on Saudi-Kuwaiti joint territory. Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein said in a statement on Monday that Kuwait submitted its maps to the United Nations in 2014 without consulting Iraq.

He stated that Iraq is "committed to regulating its maritime rights within the rules of international law and the established legal framework. Iraq stated that this will help strengthen stability and cooperation in the region." In 2019, Iraq filed a complaint with the UN, accusing Kuwait of attempting to alter the geography of the region by building a port on the Fasht al-Aiz shoal.

Iraq and Kuwait have been at loggerheads for years over Khor Abdullah, a narrow waterway shared by Iraq and Kuwait that flows into the Persian Gulf.

In 2012, the two countries reached an agreement to regulate this waterway. However, in 2023, two Iraqi MPs filed a lawsuit to overturn the agreement. They argued that the agreement violated Iraq's sovereignty and was adopted without following the proper parliamentary process. Iraq's Supreme Court later annulled the agreement.

It is noteworthy that this dispute between Iraq and Kuwait has emerged at a time when the US, the region's largest geopolitical player, is engaged in a confrontation with Iran.

What did Bahrain and Saudi Arabia say?

Reacting to this conflict, Bahrain has expressed concern. Bahrain stated that the map submitted by Iraq to the UN violates the sovereignty of its friendly country, Kuwait. Bahrain stated that it supports Kuwait's sovereignty over its maritime boundaries. Bahrain stated that it expects Iraq to respect historical practices and existing norms and the principles of international law.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry stated that it is observing with deep concern the map submitted by Iraq to the United Nations. It includes encroachments covering large parts of the Divided Submerged Zone near the Saudi-Kuwaiti Divided Zone.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia shares ownership of natural resources in the area with the State of Kuwait, in accordance with the agreements concluded and implemented between them, which are based on the provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.