– 1990′S Essay, Research Paper
When Iraqi forces invaded and occupied Kuwait. The conflict reached its highest point in January and February of 1991 between Iraq and an international combination of forces led by the United States.
The Iraqi attack began shortly after midnight on August 2nd. Approximately 150,000 Iraqi troops defeated the Kuwait forces of 20,000. By sunrise, the Iraqi troops had taken complete control over the country. The United Nations Security Council and the Arab League immediately took action into the invasion. Four days later they formed a trade embargo stopping almost all trade with Iraq. In October, Kuwait?s rulers met with their democratic opponents in Jiddah, with the hope of uniting during the occupation. The Sabah family promised the democrats that if returned to Kuwait, they would restore constitutional rule and parliament both of which had been suspended in 1986. In return, the democrats pledged to support the government in exile. The combined leadership proved useful in winning international support for an eviction of Iraq.
A week after the invasion, the United States sent more than 400,000 troops to Kuwait and more than 200,000 troops, medical supplies, air support, and financial support from other members of the United Nations.
On November 29, the international combination of troops gathered in Saudi Arabia the United Nation?s Security Council allowed the troops to use ?any means possible? to remove the troops from Kuwait.
A majority of US citizens disagreed with the use of US military action in Kuwait fearing large causalities, feared it was only to get a supply of cheap oil, and thought that trade embargos would soon bring Kuwait out of the control on Iraq.
At the end of the war, Iraq had to accept liability for damages, destroy its chemical and biological weapons and ballistic missiles, disband any nuclear weapons and accept international inspection to ensure these conditions were met. If Iraq agreed and met these and other resolutions, the UN would discuss removing the sanctions. Iraq resisted, claiming that its withdrawal from Kuwait was sufficient compliance.
January 1, 1994
On January 1, 1994 the House of Representatives approved the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)
In President Clinton?s speech after the House of Representatives, Clinton said ?Just a few minutes ago the House of Representatives voted to approve the North American Free Trade Agreement NAFTA will expand our exports, create new jobs, and help us assert America?s leadership in the global economy. This agreement is in the deep self-interest of the United States. It well help working Americans the most productive workers, winners, in the world economy.?
NAFTA was created upon a trade agreement between the United States and Canada that eliminated and/or reduced the tariffs between the two countries. NAFTA called for immediately eliminating duties on half of all U.S. goods shipped to Mexico and gradually phasing out other tariffs over a period of about 14 years. Restrictions are to be removed from many categories, including motor vehicles and automotive parts, computers, textiles, and agriculture. The treaty also protected intellectual property rights (patents, copyrights, and trademarks) and outlined the removal of restrictions on investment among the three countries.
The treaty later mandated minimum wages, safe-working conditions, and environmental protection as a result of fair agreements signed in 1993.
January 7, 1999
The senate began the Impeachment Trials of US President Bill Clinton
The Senate was originally supposed to review videotaped depositions from the three witnesses (Monica Lewinksy, Sidney Bluementhal, Vernon Jordan) in early February. In mid-February Senate leaders hoped to hold a final vote on whether to remove Clinton from office on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. Senate leaders wanted to review the witnesses. A Majority of the Senators favored reviewing the witnesses even though Bill Clinton?s personal lawyer and the White House Council said the evidence against Clinton failed to prove his guilt and that witnesses were unnecessary after they had already testified under oath.
On February 12, the Senate acquitted the President of Charges of Perjury and obstruction of Justice.
In a brief appearance at the White House after the votes for President Clinton?s impeachment, Clinton apologized to the country for the impeachment trial.
?Now that the Senate has fulfilled its constitutional responsibility, bringing this process to a conclusion, I want to say again to the American people how profoundly sorry I am for what I said and did to trigger these events and the great burden they have imposed on the Congress and on the American people.
I also am humbled and very grateful for the support and the
Prayers I have received from millions of Americans over this past year.
Now I ask all Americans — and I hope all Americans — here in Washington, and throughout our land, will rededicate ourselves to the work of serving our nation and building our future together. This can be — and this must be — a time of reconciliation and renewal for America.? as said by President Clinton in his apology to the United States and the world on February 12, 1999.