Safwan Agreement

The Safwan Agreement: A Brief Overview

The Safwan agreement, also known as the Safwan Accords, was a ceasefire agreement signed between coalition forces and Iraqi military officials on March 3, 1991. The agreement brought an end to the Gulf War, which had begun in August 1990 when Iraq invaded Kuwait.

The ceasefire negotiations took place in the town of Safwan, located on the Iraq-Kuwait border. The United States was represented by General Norman Schwarzkopf, the commander of the coalition forces, while the Iraqi delegation was led by General Sultan Hashim Ahmed.

The agreement contained several key points, including the cessation of all military operations, the withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait, and the establishment of demilitarized zones along the Kuwait-Iraq border. The agreement also called for the return of all prisoners of war and the release of all Kuwaiti hostages held by Iraq.

In addition to these provisions, the agreement established a Joint Military Commission, which was tasked with monitoring the ceasefire and overseeing the withdrawal of Iraqi forces. The commission was composed of military officials from the coalition and Iraq.

Overall, the Safwan agreement was an important milestone in the end of the Gulf War. It allowed for the peaceful withdrawal of Iraqi forces from Kuwait and helped to restore stability to the region. However, some have criticized the agreement for allowing Saddam Hussein to remain in power in Iraq, which many argue ultimately led to future conflicts in the region.

In conclusion, the Safwan agreement was a significant moment in the history of the Gulf War. Its provisions helped to bring an end to the conflict and establish a framework for future stability in the region. While it may not have been a perfect solution, the agreement remains an important example of the power of diplomacy and negotiation in resolving complex international disputes.