Australia and the World Past and Present

The United States has tried to build international support in very different ways in three major Middle East conflicts – the 1991 Gulf War, the 2003 invasion of Iraq, and the current confrontation with Iran.

The level of cooperation has varied significantly.

The First Gulf War (1990–1991) featured a large UN-backed coalition.

The US under George H. W. Bush worked extensively through the United Nations to secure international backing after Iraq invaded Kuwait.

The result was UN Security Council Resolution 678, which authorised force if Iraq did not withdraw. There was a multinational military coalition of more than 30 countries.

The US obtained troops, funding and logistics from allies.

Major contributors included the UK, France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Canada and Australia.

There was also financial backing from countries such as Japan and Germany.

This was one of the largest international coalitions since World War II and it had broad global legitimacy.

The Iraq invasion of 2003 had less international support.

When the US (under George W. Bush) prepared to invade Iraq in 2003, it attempted to obtain another UN resolution. But this time it failed to secure sufficient support.

Instead, the US assembled a looser alliance called the “Coalition of the Willing.”

Countries providing military or logistical support included the UK, Australia and Spain.

However, many key allies refused to participate including France, Germany and Canada.

A coalition existed, but international legitimacy was far weaker than in 1991.

The current conflict with Iran has left the US and Israel with even less international support.

So far, support from other countries appears much more limited.

The UK was slow to let the US to use its military bases. In response, Trump unleashed a barrage of criticism on his UK counterpart. He has shown virtually no respect for the UK. Trump starts a war and then demands assistance after the fact.

Many European countries are pushing for diplomatic solutions rather than joining the war effort.

No, if you want widespread support then early planning with allies is critical. Communication is key. Advance warning is key. Requesting is better than demanding. When you are fighting a war, it is better to have friends. It is better not to alienate other countries.

It is little wonder that NATO countries have been lukewarm in pledging support. Years of Trump’s berating behaviour has left the US rather isolated from traditional US allies.