George HW Bush - Speech 9/11/1990 - New World Order - Adversaries Like USSR and USA Work Together

Overview

George H. W. Bush addresses a joint gathering of Congress as U.S. forces prepare to fight or deter further action in the Persian Gulf following Iraq’s August 1990 invasion of Kuwait. He presents the crisis as both tragic and historically significant, arguing that the international response will determine whether a “new world order” grounded in law rather than aggression can emerge.

Key Events and U.S. Objectives

Bush recounts how Iraq—after assurances from Saddam Hussein—invaded Kuwait with a large force (about 120,000 soldiers and hundreds of tanks within days) and threatened Saudi Arabia. He argues that the U.S. acted to stop the aggression, with American troops operating alongside a coalition of more than 20 allied nations.

Bush then states the objectives as:

1. Iraq must withdraw from Kuwait completely, immediately, and unconditionally.
2. Kuwait’s legitimate government must be restored.
3. Persian Gulf security and stability must be guaranteed.
4. American citizens abroad must be protected.

He emphasizes that this is not “the United States versus Iraq,” but “Iraq against the world.”

International Coalition and Coordination with the Soviet Union

Bush highlights unprecedented global cooperation, emphasizing:

• Multiple UN Security Council resolutions condemning Iraq and demanding withdrawal and restoration of Kuwait.
• Military coordination involving forces from multiple continents at Saudi King Fahd’s request.

He also stresses cooperation with the Soviet Union, describing a meeting with Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and referencing a Helsinki declaration that affirms shared determination to counter Iraq’s aggression—framing East-West unity as crucial to the moment.

Rule of Law, Sanctions, and Enforcement

Bush argues that the UN is acting according to its founding vision:

• Mandatory economic sanctions are imposed to pressure Iraq to relinquish the conquest.
• The UN authorizes “all necessary means” to ensure compliance with sanctions.
• U.S. Navy ships help intercept shipments (with over 700 ships already). The goal is to limit Iraq’s ability to profit from aggression.

He also addresses the humanitarian dimension, stating that while sanctions can be effective, they require controlled humanitarian relief—including properly supervised delivery of food and medicine.

Humanitarian Response and Hostage Issue

Bush reports efforts to support refugees, including:

• U.S. contribution of $28 million, plus additional international humanitarian involvement.

He condemns Iraq’s hostage-taking, arguing that the world should not accept euphemisms such as calling hostages “guests.” He cites Margaret Thatcher’s position: the U.S. and allies do not negotiate with hostages and will not use human beings as bargaining chips.

Why the U.S. Says It Must Act: Security and Oil

Bush frames the stakes as both moral and strategic:

• Saddam Hussein threatens to erase Kuwait from the map.
• Iraq holds substantial proven oil reserves, and Iraq plus Kuwait would control a significant share of global oil supply—potentially enabling coercive leverage over neighboring states.

He warns against allowing aggression to succeed and promises that the U.S. will not be intimidated.

“New World Order” Theme

Bush presents the Gulf crisis as the first test of a broader vision: a freer, more just, and safer world governed by law and shared responsibility—where strong respect the rights of the weak.

He also connects U.S. aims to:

• Deterring future aggression
• Curbing proliferation of chemical, biological, ballistic missile, and nuclear technology

He clarifies that the conflict is with Saddam Hussein, not the Iraqi people.

Domestic Argument: Economic Strength and Deficit Reduction

Bush links international effectiveness to U.S. domestic cohesion and economic health. He argues that:

• Rising oil prices and defense costs worsen the fiscal deficit.
• Congress must act immediately rather than postponing until after the election.

He lays out a four-part legislative agenda, urging Congress to act within the month:

1. Growth-oriented fiscal measures (e.g., savings/investment incentives; tax changes such as a reduction in the capital gains rate; business zone concepts; incentives for domestic drilling).
2. A prudent multi-year defense program, robust enough to maintain security while allowing only limited reductions in real terms.
3. Energy expansion and conservation to reduce dependence on foreign oil.
4. A five-year plan to reduce deficits by $500 billion, paired with real and credible budgeting reform (avoiding “promise now, save later” approaches).

He emphasizes fairness: everyone contributes, no particular group carries an excessive burden, and new revenue should not harm growth through punitive income-tax policies.

Call for Unity

Bush concludes by urging political unity across parties and branches, arguing that democracies must rally in adversity. He ties the sacrifices of American servicemembers on the battlefield to the need for broad political consensus at home.

He also reiterates that former adversaries can cooperate for a common cause—explicitly highlighting the example of the Soviet Union and the United States.

“Iraq against the world.”

Presenters / Contributors

• George H. W. Bush (speaker)
• Mikhail Gorbachev (mentioned)
• General Colin Powell (Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, thanked)
• General Norman Schwarzkopf (commander in the Persian Gulf, thanked)
• Secretary of State James Baker (mentioned)
• Treasury Secretary Nicholas Brady (mentioned)
• UN Secretary-General Javier Pérez de Cuéllar (credited for UN leadership)
• Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (quoted/mentioned)
• King Fahd (mentioned as requesting allied forces)
• Wade Merritt (Private First Class, quoted from his letter; mentioned by name)