Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah

Iraqi forces invaded and occupied Kuwait under Saddam Hussein. Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah fled to Saudi Arabia and established a government-in-exile. The invasion led to the Gulf War and a seven-month occupation of Kuwait.

A US-led coalition launched Operation Desert Storm, liberating Kuwait from Iraqi occupation. Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah returned to Kuwait as emir. The liberation restored Kuwaiti sovereignty but left the country with extensive damage and environmental destruction.

Jaber al-Ahmad al-Sabah oversaw the massive reconstruction of Kuwait's infrastructure, oil fields, and economy after the Gulf War. The rebuilding cost billions of dollars and restored Kuwait's status as a major oil exporter. He also restored the National Assembly.