Gulf War

Wars in the Middle East since 1990

Gulf war

The Gulf War  started on 2nd August 1990 and finished on 28th February 1991. The aim of it was to set up operations leading to the build up of troops and defense of Saudi Arabia and Operation Desert Storm  in its combat phase, was a war in the Persian Gulf region waged by coalition forces from 34 nations led by the United States against Ba'athist Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait Saddam Hussein, the leader of Iraq,  ordered the invasion and occupation of neighboring Kuwait in early August 1990. This lead to Saudi Arabia and Egypt calling the United States and other Western nations to help out. Hussein defied United Nations Security Council demands to withdraw from Kuwait by mid-January 1991, and the Persian Gulf War began with a massive U.S.-led air offensive known as Operation Desert Storm. After 42 days of relentless attacks by the allied coalition in the air and on the ground, U.S. President George H.W. Bush declared a cease-fire on February 28; by that time, most Iraqi forces in Kuwait had either surrendered or fled. Though the Persian Gulf War was initially considered an unqualified success for the international coalition, simmering conflict in the troubled region led to a second Gulf War–known as the Iraq War–that began in 2003.

Gulf War Syndrome (PTSD)

This was a medical condition affecting many veterans of the 1991 Gulf War, characterized by fatigue, chronic headaches, and skin and respiratory disorders. Its origin is uncertain, though it has been attributed to exposure to a combination of pesticides, vaccines, and other chemicals. It relates to Post traumatic stress disorder and affected many soldiers, particually during the gulf war. 
Symptoms of PTSD include:

• Vivid flashbacks (feeling that the trauma is happening all over again)

• Intrusive thoughts and images

• Nightmares

• Intense distress at real or symbolic reminders of the trauma

• Physical sensations, such as pain, sweating, nausea or trembling.

Effect on play

It was interesting to research the gulf war as it gives me a better understanding of my given circumstances and the effect this has on my character. This explains why Benedick always tries to act masculine and strong as this is so crucial as a soldier. Furthermore, only 6.8% of American soldiers in the Gulf War were women, this explains his desire to always please women and why he acts like a bit of a ladies man. I don't think Benedick was heavily effected by Gulf war syndrome as he appears confident and relaxed most of the time. However, this might have effected him deep down to make him insecure, hence why he is trying to act so macho. The gulf war sets the context of the play and means that everyone is happy to be alive while always being slight on edge. Moreover, it means that everyone is happy to be alive and is more grateful for what they have on their lives.