Saddam Hussein`s invasion of Kuwait at the start of August 1990 was complete with about 48 hours. The consequences played out more slowly. Refusing all efforts at a negotiated withdrawal, Saddam brought on himself the military opposition of almost the entire world. Working with a United Nations mandate, the United States assembled military forces which starting on January 17, 1991, pulverized Iraq`s occupying forces and forced their retreat. The war lasted 38 days.