Iraq invaded Kuwait in August of 1990. The United States worked the United Nations to mobilize an alliance of 28 nations retaliate to defend Kuwait. "Operation Desert Storm" of January 1991 was ran under President Bush and lasted 42 days. Saddam Hussein remained in power and Kuwait was liberated.
Internal Problems with the Soviet Union
In the Soviet Republics there was rising action of Nationalism. There were fast paced reforms and the move to a market economy. It began to become very inefficient. Mikhail Gorbachev had new ideas, he was a Soviet leader with bold reform.
Glasnost & Perestroika
Glasnost - meaning openness Perestroika - meaning economic restructuring