In the aftermath of the Gulf War, discontent was brewing among various ethnic and religious groups in Iraq, particularly the Kurds in the north and the Shia Arabs in the south. As the coalition forces led by the United States expelled Iraqi troops from Kuwait, many Iraqis felt emboldened to rise against Saddam Hussein's regime, which had long suppressed dissent through brutal tactics. In March 1991, widespread uprisings erupted, fueled by grievances over economic hardship, political repression, and aspiration for greater autonomy and rights. These uprisings quickly spread across the country, with significant revolts occurring in cities like Basra and the Kurdish regions.The Iraqi regime, facing this unrest, responded with overwhelming military force. Airstrikes and ground assaults were employed to quash the revolts, and the aftermath was devastating. An estimated 25,000 individuals, with a majority being civilians, were reported killed as the state used brutal measures to restore control. The rebellion's suppression led to mass displacement, especially among Kurdish populations, who sought refuge in the mountains, leading to humanitarian crises. The uprisings highlighted the deep-seated divisions and tensions within Iraqi society. It also drew international attention to the plight of the Iraqi people under oppressive rule, raising questions about the geopolitical implications of ongoing instability in the region.In the years following these uprisings, the impact of the violent repression was evident, as it not only solidified Saddam Hussein's grip on power but also set the stage for continued turmoil and resentment among Iraq's populace. The international community watched closely, and debates emerged over the moral responsibility of intervening in cases of human rights violations.