Fact Check: "The US military has conducted operations in the Middle East since the early 1990s."
What We Know
The claim that the US military has conducted operations in the Middle East since the early 1990s is supported by historical events surrounding the Gulf War. The Iraqi invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990, marked a significant turning point in US military involvement in the region, leading to the initiation of Operation Desert Shield, which aimed to protect Saudi Arabia and deter further Iraqi aggression (Brookings). This operation eventually transitioned into Operation Desert Storm, which commenced on January 16, 1991, and involved a large coalition force led by the United States (Office of the Historian).
Since then, the US military has maintained a continuous presence in the Middle East, engaging in various operations across multiple countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. The US has also been involved in ongoing military actions against terrorist groups in the region, further solidifying its military footprint (Wikipedia).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust and well-documented. The Gulf War is often cited as the beginning of what has been termed America's "endless wars" in the Middle East. The operations initiated in response to Iraq's aggression have led to a prolonged military presence that has persisted through subsequent conflicts, including the Iraq War (2003) and operations against ISIS.
The sources consulted are credible and authoritative. The Brookings Institution, a well-respected think tank, provides a detailed historical context for US military operations in the Middle East, emphasizing the continuity of military engagement since the early 1990s (Brookings). The Office of the Historian, part of the US State Department, offers a factual account of the Gulf War and its implications for US foreign policy (Office of the Historian). Additionally, Wikipedia's timeline of US military operations provides a comprehensive overview of various military engagements, further corroborating the claim (Wikipedia).
While some sources may have inherent biases, such as think tanks or governmental entities, the historical facts presented are consistent across multiple reputable sources, lending credibility to the claim.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the US military has conducted operations in the Middle East since the early 1990s is accurate. The initiation of military operations in response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in 1990 marked the beginning of a sustained US military presence in the region, which has continued through various conflicts and operations to the present day.
