It does get a bit confusing to have two Presidents Bush so close together. George H.W. served on term – 1989-1993 – having previously been VP to Ronald Reagan. During his term the USA led the coalition that fought the first Gulf war after Saddam invaded Kuwait. A short, successful campaign pushed Iraq out of Kuwit in a few weeks after launching the ground offensive in February 1991. Bush called off the action once that had been achieved, leading to criticism that the action should have bene maintained and Saddam ousted. Bush refuted the criticism saying to continue would effectively meant having to occupy Baghdad and rule Iraq.
George W served two terms – 2001-2009. It was he, not his father, who reacted to 9/11 with the ‘War on Terror’ leading to the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, the toppling of Saddam, the involvement of Blair, etc.