Iraq's forced retreat and surrender to the U.S.-led coalition after invading Kuwait is an illustration of

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Iraq's forced retreat and surrender illustrate defensive realists' argument that few wars benefit the states that start them. Saddam Hussein's ill-fated invasion of Kuwait resulted in his defeat and subsequent deposition, which harmed Iraq's reputation and left the country in a weaker position than before. Defensive realists contend that states should avoid offensive wars because they are more likely to bring disadvantageous results than positive ones.

Iraq's Forced Retreat and Surrender to the U