Iraq has often conflicted with Kuwait there has been tensions over border claims and after the end of the Iran Iraq war disputes over oil policy. On August 2nd, 1990 President Saddam Hussain ordered the invasion of Kuwait. A coalition of 44 nations soon organized to thwart Hussein. Led by the U.S. 32 nations contributed military forces and direct support and 12 other nations provided non-military assistance. On November 26, 1990 the U.N. authorized the use of “any means necessary” against Iraq if it did not withdraw from Kuwait by January 15, 1991. As the deadline approached massive land, air and naval forces were deployed in both sides. The Iraqi arsenal included about 4,500 tanks and 700 combat aircraft. Coalition forces included over 100
