America's Foreign Policy Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The decision to refrain from overthrowing Saddam Hussein at the end of the Gulf War stemmed from concerns about regional stability and the potential for civil unrest. The U.S. administration, led at the time by President George H.W. Bush, recognized that removing Hussein from power could lead to a power vacuum in Iraq. This vacuum might incite a civil war among various ethnic and sectarian groups, potentially spilling over into neighboring countries and further destabilizing the already volatile region.

Additionally, there was a strategic consideration regarding Iran, which was viewed as a significant threat during that period. Maintaining some level of a strong Iraqi regime under Saddam was seen as a counterbalance to Iranian influence in the region. Thus, the cautious approach aimed to avoid creating conditions that could exacerbate tensions and lead to wider conflict, supporting the notion that stability was a priority over aggressive regime change.