What was the primary effect of the Gulf War in the early 1990s?

The primary effect of the Gulf War in the early 1990s was the liberation of Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. After Iraq, led by Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait in August 1990, a coalition of international forces, including the United States, launched Operation Desert Storm in January 1991 to expel Iraqi troops. This military operation was highly successful and led to Kuwait's liberation by the end of February 1991.

The significance of this outcome cannot be overstated, as it restored Kuwait's sovereignty and marked a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern politics. The success of the coalition forces also demonstrated the power of international cooperation through organizations like the United Nations, which rallied support against the invasion. In the aftermath, however, there were ongoing tensions in the region, particularly between the U.S. and Iraq, which did not lead to immediate democratization in Iraq or significantly affect global oil prices in the long term.