As part of the decolonization process, Britain signed a treaty of friendship and protection with Kuwait. This treaty aimed to foster continued bilateral relations, safeguarding the mutual interests of both nations. While allowing Kuwait to assert its newfound autonomy, it also maintained Britain's strategic foothold in the region. This delicate balancing act underscored the inherent complexities of transitioning from colonial rule to independence, particularly in a region characterized by volatile geopolitics.

Shortly after Kuwait's independence, the nascent state faced a severe test. In July 1961, Iraq, under the leadership of Abdul Karim Qasim, claimed sovereignty over Kuwait, citing historical and geographical arguments. Iraq's threat to Kuwait's territorial integrity posed a grave danger to the latter's survival as an independent state. The Iraqi claim was a manifestation of the broader geopolitical tensions in the region and reflected Iraq's ambitions of regional dominance.

In response to the looming Iraqi threat, Kuwait sought assistance from its former colonial master. British troops

were dispatched to Kuwait at the request of the newly independent nation, marking the first serious challenge to its sovereignty. This military response by Britain highlighted the practical implications of the 'treaty of friendship and protection,' signed between the two countries. It also demonstrated Britain's enduring strategic interests in the region, particularly concerning oil resources and maintaining regional stability.

This military intervention was not just about Kuwait's survival. It sent a strong message to other regional powers harboring expansionist aspirations and acted as a deterrent, underscoring the consequences of attempting to alter the status quo by force.

However, the presence of British troops on Arab soil sparked controversy, drawing criticism from several quarters. Arab nationalism was on the rise during this period, and foreign military presence was seen by many as a residual form of colonialism. This led to diplomatic maneuvering, resulting in the replacement of British troops by Arab League forces in the fall of 1961.

The decision to replace British forces with Arab League troops was a significant milestone. It symbolized the growing unity and collective security mechanisms within the Arab world. The intervention by the Arab League, a regional organization founded just over a decade earlier, signaled a more assertive role in regional affairs.