This episode examines the Gulf War (1990–1991), sparked by Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait. The U.S. led a historic international coalition under the U.N., launching Operation Desert Storm, a high-tech campaign of airstrikes and a swift ground assault that liberated Kuwait in just over six weeks.

While hailed as a decisive victory, the war raised questions about civilian casualties, the decision to leave Saddam Hussein in power, and the long-term U.S. presence in the Middle East. The Gulf War marked the beginning of America’s high-tech, post–Cold War military dominance, but also planted seeds of future conflict.