How did the Persian Gulf War affect daily life in Kuwait?
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/325644/Kuwait/93658/Iran-Iraq-War
http://www1.american.edu/ted/KUWAIT.HTM
The Persian Gulf War, which took place from 1990 to 1991, had a profound impact on daily life in Kuwait. Here's how you can explain it:
1. Economic Impact: The war caused significant damage to Kuwait's infrastructure, including its oil fields, refineries, and transportation systems. The destruction of these vital resources resulted in a severe economic downturn. The loss of jobs and income affected the daily lives of many Kuwaiti citizens, causing financial hardships and reduced access to basic necessities.
2. Displacement and Refugee Crisis: The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait resulted in widespread displacement of Kuwaiti citizens. Many people were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighboring countries or abroad. This mass exodus disrupted families, fractured social networks, and created a humanitarian crisis.
3. Occupation and Rule under Iraq: During the occupation, Iraq imposed strict control over Kuwait, leading to a dramatic shift in daily life. Kuwaitis faced curfews, restricted movement, limited access to essential services such as healthcare and food, and surveillance by the Iraqi regime. Basic freedoms were suppressed, and individual rights were violated.
4. Humanitarian Challenges: The war brought about significant humanitarian challenges in Kuwait. There were widespread shortages of essential commodities such as food, water, electricity, and medical supplies. The destruction of infrastructure hampered the delivery of aid, further exacerbating the crisis.
5. Psychological Impact: The trauma of war, displacement, and occupation took a heavy toll on Kuwaiti society. Many people experienced physical and psychological harm, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Rebuilding a sense of normalcy and addressing these mental health issues became important priorities in the aftermath of the war.
To summarize, the Persian Gulf War had a far-reaching impact on daily life in Kuwait, with severe economic, social, and psychological consequences. It disrupted the country's infrastructure, caused displacement, led to the occupation by Iraq, and created humanitarian challenges for the Kuwaiti population.