17. Environmental and Health Concerns
The aftermath of Desert Storm revealed serious environmental and health challenges. Iraqi forces set hundreds of Kuwaiti oil wells ablaze, creating catastrophic pollution and ecological damage. Meanwhile, returning veterans reported mysterious symptoms—later termed Gulf War Syndrome—leading to ongoing debates about exposure to chemicals and vaccines. These issues prompted greater awareness of the long-term impacts of warfare, influencing both military planning and veterans’ healthcare policies in the years that followed.
