Triggered by its invasion of Kuwait, Iraq was pitted against a 32 nation coalition of forces commanded by Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf, whose air attacks led the way for a ground war that met with success in less than four days. Although the coalition was victorious, Saddam Hussein held on as president of Iraq. Almanac and Primary Sources covers the pre-war events; Operation Desert Shield, the U.S. effort to prevent an Iraqi invasion of Saudi Arabia; and Operation Desert Storm, the conflict that ended in the Iraqi defeat and the liberation of Kuwait. Biographies offers approximately 25 biographies of major and less prominent figures. Included are 120 black and white illustrations with approximately 20 maps; chronology; sidebars; words to know; research and activity ideas; further reading; subject index; and more.