![]() ![]() determination as Saddam Hussein did in 1990–91. Common wisdom suggests no future opponent would underestimate U.S. Whether history repeats itself, only rhymes, or merely plods, the exact circumstances of any event cannot be precisely duplicated. military “learn” them? The Four Strategic Lessons of an Undisputed Victory What were the strategic lessons of the victory, and did the U.S. Thus, it is critical to review the strategic lessons of Desert Shield/Desert Storm and assess their continuing implications, particularly as the world has transitioned into a global security environment much more like the great power competition-more properly termed great systems competition-of the pre-1990s. Using the criteria of direct strategic goals, the First Gulf War can be considered the last war the United States has “won.” Subsequent interventions may have seen tactical victories, but they failed to achieve their strategic expectations. It was a conflict (albeit much forgotten today) many analysts and pundits of the time doubted the United States could win quickly, decisively, and without massive American casualties. It also was the first major modern campaign fought by an all-volunteer U.S. war fought after World War II outside the context of the Cold War struggle. Desert Shield/Desert Storm was one of the most dramatic military operations in recent history and the first U.S. ![]()
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