International Relations to 1970: Examine the reasons for the United Nations intervention in the Gulf War of 1991. Was this intervention justified?

The United Nations intervention in the Gulf War of 1991 represented a controversial turning point in the development of the organization, despite having a firm legal basis and adhering to its purposes and principles. The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait on 2 August 1990 was met with unanimous UN condemnation, imposing sanctions and calling for the withdrawal of Iraqi troops. UN motivation for intervention was based primarily on institutional aims and principles, in addition to US and Soviet national …

…ideology, particularly by changing international status and national priorities of both the US and the USSR. Greater opportunities for increased effectiveness and action, however, presented the UN with challenges not encountered previously. Resolution 678 and 687 were justified through their compliance with the UN Charter and its purposes and principles. Although the immediate objectives of military victory over Saddam were achieved, long-term objectives for regional and international security were undermined by the negative repercussions of UN intervention.