An anthology of articles debating issues surrounding the Persian Gulf War, including its effects on the United States and the Middle East, the Justification of the military action, the accuracy of the media coverage, and lessons learned from the war.

1. IS MILITARY ACTION JUSTIFIED?

  Military Action Is Justified by stephen J.Solarz
Saddam Hussein's aggression on the Middle East posses a serious challenge to fundamental American interests and to essential American values. The U.S. is fully justified in using force against Saddam. (pp. 19-27)

  Military Action Is Not Justified by Robert Brenner
U.S. aggression against Iraq is unjustified and hypocritical. The U.S. is determined to completely destroy Iraq to prove that America is the only great power of the post-cold war world. (pp. 50-57)

2. DID THE PERSIAN GULF WAR STRENGTHEN THE U.S?

  The War Revitalized The U.S. by William J. Bennet
Victory in the Persian Gulf War gave Americans the chance to renew their faith in their country's leadership and institutions. (pp. 86-88)

  The War Weakened The U.S. by Richard Barnet
The victory of the U.S. miliatry forces in the Persian Gulf weakened America's future role in world affairs. U.S. military leaders will not want to jeopardize their refurbished reputation by risking other missions, and economic constraints will continue to hamper America's superpower status. (pp. 99-101)

3. WHAT ARE THE MILITARY LESSONS OF THE PERSIAN GULF WAR?

  The War Proves the Need For a Strong Military by Kenneth l. Adelman
 The Persian Gulf War demonstrated both the need for and the effectiveness of a strong militayr force. (pp. 115-119)

  The War Does Not Prove the Need For a Strong Military by Michael T. Klare
Succes in Iraq hs encouraged U.S. military leaders to plan for similar conflict elsewhere. But an emphasis on military solutions to U.S. conflicts abroad poses large, long-term costs for the U.S. Alternatives to military force should be developed. (pp. 139-147)