The term "State of War Resolution Patch" is not a standard or widely recognized historical or political term. However, it likely refers to UN Security Council Resolution 687 (1991), which formally ended the "state of war" between Iraq and the coalition forces that liberated Kuwait during the Gulf War (1990-1991). Here's a breakdown of why this interpretation makes sense:
- "State of War": This refers to the formal, ongoing conflict between Iraq and the US-led coalition following Iraq's invasion of Kuwait in August 1990. The UN Security Council had condemned the invasion and authorized the use of force (Resolution 678) to eject Iraqi forces.
- "Resolution": This points to a formal decision or agreement, specifically a United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR). These are binding under international law.
- "Patch": This is the metaphorical or colloquial part. In this context:
- It implies a fix or solution to the critical problem of the ongoing state of war.
- It suggests a final, definitive action to formally end the conflict and establish a new, post-war framework.
- It might be used informally to describe the resolution as the "patch" that closed the open wound of the war. The Actual Resolution: UN Security Council Resolution 687 (April 3, 1991) This resolution is the definitive document that formally ended the state of war and established the terms for peace. Its key provisions include:
- Ceasefire: Demanded an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait.
- Formal Acceptance: Required Iraq to accept, under international law, responsibility for losses resulting from its invasion and illegal occupation of Kuwait.
- Borders: Affirmed the inviolability of the boundaries between Iraq and Kuwait (including the restoration of Iraq-Kuwait international boundary as demarcated in 1963).
- Obligated Iraq to unconditionally accept the destruction, removal, or rendering harmless of all its chemical and biological weapons and ballistic missiles with a range over 150 km.
- Established the UN Special Commission (UNSCOM) to oversee this process.
- Called for the establishment of a nuclear weapons inspection regime (later handled by the IAEA).
- Other Obligations:
- Repatriation of all Kuwaiti and third-country nationals detained by Iraq.
- Return of Kuwaiti property seized by Iraq.
- Renunciation of terrorism and future use of WMD.
- Compliance with all relevant UNSCRs.
- Oil-for-Food Program (Later): While not in 687 itself, the framework for allowing Iraq to sell limited amounts of oil to pay for essential humanitarian goods was established later (Resolution 706) and significantly expanded (Resolution 986), partly as a consequence of the demands set out in 687.
Why Resolution 687 is the "Patch":
- It legally terminated the authorization for the use of force (from Resolution 678) by achieving the ceasefire and withdrawal.
- It formally ended the state of belligerency between Iraq and the coalition.
- It established the comprehensive legal and political framework for the post-war settlement, addressing the root causes (invasion, occupation, WMD) and setting the stage for reconstruction and long-term stability.
- It provided the definitive "solution" to the immediate crisis of the Gulf War.
In summary:
When someone refers to the "State of War Resolution Patch," they are almost certainly talking about UN Security Council Resolution 687 (1991). This resolution acted as the definitive "patch" that formally ended the state of war between Iraq and the coalition forces, imposed the terms for peace, and laid the groundwork for the post-war order in the Gulf region.
