The position of the players in the Gulf War were, of course, very important. Little Kuwait is wedged between two greater powers, Iraq and Saudi Arabia - making it vulnerable to conquest by one state, but assuring it the likely aid of the other. The open terrain between and the unnatural boundaries make military movements easier in modern warfare. Notice that Jordan is connected to Iraq on the west. Jordan acted as Iraq's primary supply line during the war and tacitly supported Saddam's invasion of Kuwait. Note also Israel's proximity to Iraq and imagine the threat posed by ballistic missiles on the Israeli population, especially considering the fact that Saddam tried to draw Israel into the war and gain Arab support by lobbing a few missiles at the proud Iraelis.
