This military action, taken in accord with United Nations resolutions and with the consent of the United States Congress, follows months of constant and virtually endless diplomatic activity on the part of the United Nations, the United States, and many, many other countries. Arab leaders sought what became known as an Arab solution, only to conclude that Saddam Hussein was unwilling to leave Kuwait. Others traveled to Baghdad in a variety of efforts to restore peace and justice. Our Secretary of State, James Baker, held an historic meeting in Geneva, only to be totally rebuffed. This past weekend, in a last-ditch effort, the Secretary-General of the United Nations went to the Middle East with peace in his heart—his second such mission. And he came back from Baghdad with no progress at all in getting Saddam Hussein to withdraw from Kuwait.

Now the 28 countries with forces in the Gulf area have exhausted all reasonable efforts to reach a peaceful resolution—have no choice but to drive Saddam from Kuwait by force. We will not fail.

–Address to the nation announcing allied
military action in the Persian Gulf,
President George H. W. Bush, 1991

Why does President Bush believe that pursuing an Arab solution to the Kuwait invasion is no longer possible?

Secretary of State Baker was rebuffed by Arab leaders at the meeting in Geneva.
The United Nations and the US Congress have both given up on diplomacy.
Middle Eastern leaders have demanded military action.
Saddam Hussein is unwilling to leave Kuwait despite the efforts of Arab leaders.