(Defense and Arms Control Studies Program, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1993-03) Fetter, Steve; Lewis, George N.; Gronlund, Lisbeth
The proliferation of ballistic missiles has in recent years become a major international
security concern. This increased concern is in part due to the highly visible role played by Iraqi
Scud missiles during the 1991 Persian Gulf War. However, it is also due to the widespread -- but
incorrect -- perception that even conventionally-armed ballistic missiles are tremendously
destructive.
This perception that ballistic missiles are inherently weapons of great destructive
capability may have played a key role in the politics of the Gulf War. Iraq fired more than 80
modified Scud missiles at Israel and Saudi Arabia during the 1991 Persian Gulf War, causing 31
deaths, numerous injuries, and substantial property damage. However, with the exception of the
Scud that hit a barracks in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, and killed 28 U.S. soldiers, the number of
casualties caused by these Scuds was much lower than was generally anticipated.
