Resolution 660 (1990)

Resolution 660 (1990)
Title	United Nations Security Council Resolution 660
Date	2 August 1990
Meeting	2953
Code	S/RES/660(1990)
Subject	Iraq's invasion of Kuwait
Result	Adopted unanimously

Resolution 660 (1990)

Resolution 660 (1990) was a unanimous United Nations Security Council decision adopted on 2 August 1990 addressing the invasion and occupation of Kuwait by Iraq under the regime of Saddam Hussein. The text demanded immediate and unconditional withdrawal, invoked principles associated with the United Nations Charter and collective security, and set the stage for subsequent measures including United Nations Security Council Resolution 678 (1990). The resolution catalyzed regional and global diplomatic, military, and economic responses involving actors such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, Soviet Union, Arab League, and Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.

Background

Iraq's armed incursion into Kuwait on 2 August 1990 followed a series of disputes rooted in territorial claims over Kuwait's borders, oil production policies involving OAPEC and OPEC, and financial tensions after the Iran–Iraq War. Baghdad's leadership under Saddam Hussein cited alleged slant drilling in the Rumaila oilfield and reparations claims stemming from the Iran–Iraq War and tensions with neighboring states including Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. The invasion rapidly drew attention from capitals such as Washington, D.C., London, Paris, Moscow, and regional capitals including Riyadh and Cairo, provoking emergency meetings of the United Nations Security Council, the Arab League, and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Adoption and Voting

The Security Council convened at United Nations Headquarters in New York City to consider a draft resolution presented by member states including the United States and United Kingdom. Deliberations involved permanent members such as the United States, United Kingdom, France, Soviet Union, and China, along with elected members including Yemen (then a non-permanent member), Zambia, and Ecuador. The resolution was adopted unanimously, with all fifteen members endorsing the demand for immediate Iraqi withdrawal and the cessation of hostilities. The unanimous vote reflected coordination among actors ranging from NATO members to Non-Aligned Movement participants and consultations with regional organizations such as the Arab League and Gulf Cooperation Council.

Provisions of the Resolution

The resolution demanded that Iraq immediately cease military action and withdraw all forces unconditionally to the positions existing prior to 2 August 1990, invoked the authority of the United Nations Charter, and required member states to refrain from any action that might affect the rights, claims, and positions of the parties. It affirmed support for the independence and sovereignty of Kuwait and called upon all states and international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, to offer humanitarian assistance. The text requested reporting from the Secretary-General of the United Nations and preserved the Council's right to take further measures under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter if Iraq failed to comply, foreshadowing sanctions and authorizations that would involve bodies such as the United Nations Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 661 (1990) and later operations by United States Central Command, Coalition forces, and United Nations Iraq–Kuwait Observation Mission.

International and Regional Response

Global reaction to the resolution included diplomatic condemnations from capitals like Washington, D.C., London, Paris, Moscow, and Beijing, and strong regional opposition expressed by the Arab League, Gulf Cooperation Council, and individual states such as Saudi Arabia and Syria. Economic measures considered by OPEC members, financial institutions including the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, and national governments targeted Iraq's access to oil revenues and trade. Military and coalition planning involved actors such as CENTCOM, British Armed Forces, French Armed Forces, and partner states including Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, Canada, and Australia. Humanitarian agencies such as the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees mobilized to assess displacement and civilian needs in the Persian Gulf region.

Aftermath and Enforcement

Following noncompliance by Iraq, the Security Council adopted further measures including comprehensive sanctions under United Nations Security Council Resolution 661 (1990) and authorization of force in United Nations Security Council Resolution 678 (1990). Coalition build-up in the Persian Gulf—involving Operation Desert Shield, Operation Desert Storm, and forces from United States Army, Royal Air Force, French Air Force, and other contingents—culminated in the 1991 liberation of Kuwait. Post-conflict arrangements engaged institutions such as the United Nations Compensation Commission, the Iraq Survey Group, and UNSCOM mechanisms, and raised issues addressed by tribunals and inquiries connected to international humanitarian law and post-war reconstruction initiatives involving the World Bank and United Nations Development Programme.

Legal and Political Implications

The resolution and its follow-ups had enduring implications for international law, collective security, and the practice of the United Nations Security Council in responding to aggression. The invocation of Chapter VII authorities reinforced precedents regarding sanctions and authorization of force involving permanent members including the United States and Soviet Union (subsequently Russian Federation). The case influenced debates in forums such as the International Court of Justice, academic centers like Harvard Law School and Yale Law School, and policy institutions including the Brookings Institution and Chatham House about the legality of preventive action, the responsibility to protect discourse, and the role of regional organizations like the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The aftermath also affected bilateral relations among states including Iraq and Kuwait, and reshaped strategic alignments involving United States–Saudi Arabia relations, Turkey–United States relations, and broader dynamics in the Middle East.

Category:United Nations Security Council resolutions concerning Iraq Category:1990 in international relations