[SampleMan]

That was during the so-called "tanker war", when Iraq was taking potshots at tankers because the Gulf countries were supporting Iran against them during the Iran-Iraq war.

Iran and Iraq were both shooting at the others' tankers. And the Gulf countries supported Iraq not Iran. Outstanding Iraqi debt to Kuwait was one of Saddam's likely reasons for invading.

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

Thanks for the correction. Same thing though, we got between them. The Stark got shot, apparently deliberately, when the Iraqis tried to discourage the U.S. from escorting tankers. The Stark was performing engine tests required for an Atlantic crossing, she was due to rotate home. It was 0300 HR local time and the only officer with the keys that would free the weapons system was three decks below conducting the engine tests when the Iraqis fired. Had he been on the bridge (actually, they should have had a firing solution on the shooter and been painting him with fire control radar before he shot) they would probably have defended themselves and taken out the attacking aircraft as well.

[USAF80]

The Kuwaitis slant drilled his oil fields plus they owed him money for keeping the Iranians off their butts. They also screwed him with oil prices so he could not rebuild his country.

That is one of the reasons he kicked off in their rear ends.

He burned their oil not to cover his tracks but as payback.

At least that is the word I heard somewhere in my travels.