Challenge: Saddam's Commander

[DuQuense]

You are a Major General in Saddam's Military in 1991. And YOU ARE LOYAL.

You have spent a tour of duty as Military aide de Chief in Washington, and a tour with NATO observing the War Games in Germany. you are therefore familiar with the US/NATO doctrines.

Saddam has just appointed you to Command the Defenses of Iraq and all 19 of her provinces.

The US/NATO is about to hit you with everything whe built up for WW3. You are loyal and Surrender is not a option.

??What do You do different that OTL???

[Anaxagoras]

Strike first. Throw up every plane in a massive strike against the Allied air bases in Saudi Arabia. Allied air defenses would cut most of the force to ribbons, but if even a few planes get through and drop their bombs, the results would have been catostrophic. So many Allied aircraft were jammed into so few air fields that secondary explosions would have inflicted very heavy damage.

General Schwarzkopf discussed this in his autobiography and claims that it was a matter which gave him great concern.

Also, detail a strike force of Mirage F-1s to go after the Allied fleet with Exocet missiles. As with the above, most plnes would get shot down, but even a few hits would inflict great damage.

Assuming I have no morals and ethics (and if I'm loyal to Saddam, this must be the case), position small forces with chemical weapons in southern Iraq, so that when the large American-British-French armored force moves to ouflank the main Iraqi defensive line, they can be gassed.

[NHBL]

Before moving on Kuwait, I'd have a plan for Saudi Arabia in place. I've got the largest army in the area. Make sure I've got heavy logistical support in place before I move.

The moment my forces are replenished after taking Kuwait, strike south, taking a substantial portion of Saudi Arabia--but being careful not to do any more damage than necessary to civilian infrastructure.
Next, recomend that the government tell the USA and the world, "We regret the necessity of seizing Saudi Arabian territory. We will continue to supply the world with oil durring these unfortuneate times. As soon as the world recognises our rightful claim to all 19 provinces, we will withdraw to our recognised borders."

Perhaps even dangle a withdrawal from OPEC's price fixing, and lower prices, in front of the USA.

As negotiations progress, the possible regretable necessity of totally destroying the Saudi oil producing infrastructure could be mentioned...but try to keep the carrot of cheaper oil in the forfront of the American people, with less empahsis on the fact that American troops won't retake a single oil field or refinery intact.

If an ultimatum is issued to withdraw by date X, destroy a minor refinery a day or two before the deadline to make the point that you will do that. Also state that, if the claim to the 19th province is recognised, then you will pay to rebuild the refinery.

In short, make like you're regreting the actons you have to take, and are trying to use as little force as possible. Still, you will do whatever's necessary...

This strategy could throw the American people off balance. Perhaps even send a few tankers loaded with free home heating oil for the poor in the USA. Be the good guy.

Remembe, Iraq has fewer restrictions on the behavior of women than the Saudis--play that up as well.

Now you might have broken the near unanimity in the USA.

[Anaxagoras]

Originally Posted by NHBL

Before moving on Kuwait, I'd have a plan for Saudi Arabia in place. I've got the largest army in the area. Make sure I've got heavy logistical support in place before I move.

This would require the POD to be in 1990. The original post required 1991.

[CCA]

I'd Invade America

[DuQuense]

In short, make like you're regreting the actons you have to take, and are trying to use as little force as possible. Still, you will do whatever's necessary...

This strategy could throw the American people off balance. Perhaps even send a few tankers loaded with free home heating oil for the poor in the USA. Be the good guy.

For a rather acute politician Saddam never did play his few cards very well,

Before moving on Kuwait, I'd have a plan for Saudi Arabia in place. I've got the largest army in the area. Make sure I've got heavy logistical support in place before I move.

I never have seem any convincing evidence that Iraq did plan to move on to Saudi Arabia. this dispute the fact that Bubba Sr. started every speech with this as established.

I'd Invade America

I've given serious thought to this, It would have been possible to smuggle in a small force, to attack a few select High profile targets. both here and at US German Bases whe were staging out of.

??How would a string of American loses play in the Media, and in Pretoria??

[Archangel Michael]

During the early stages of Desert Shield, the U.S. Army was stretched extremley thin in Saudi Arabia. With that information in hand, I'd launch major air strikes at Coalition air fields and strike deep into Saudi Arabia.

[panzerjay]

by chrismas, leave Kuwait and still have the largest army in the middle east. why fight a war you cant win? just win the peace,...

[DMA]

Pray to Allah for Divine Intervention, because that'll be what Saddam needs in 1991. Iraq has no other choice(s) save for the Prophet to return from Paradise in answer to Saddam's prayers.

About the only extremely remote terrestrial thing, which Iraq could have done, is not just stop with simply overrunning Kuwait, but to continue on taking Saudi Arabia before anyone is in a position to stop Saddam (kind of the same as NHBL's scenario). Then Iraqi negotiates an end to hostilites by offering to hand over Saudi Arabia whilst keeping Kuwait, all the while deliberately using the Holy Places as a means to keep the Islamic countries out of any possible military retaliation. The USA & its allies would thus have to conduct any military operation thousands of kms from their bases & do so in a region which is either neutral if not downright hostile.

[CalBear]

In 1991? I have, at best, two weeks before the air campaign starts?

Not too much I really can do, long run I'm going to lose. However...

1) Make some more spoiling attacks. Try to get the allies started early, before the air chews me to pieces. Maybe that will upset the time table enough to delay the inevitable.

2) Hit the Israeli's with everything in the envelope. If they come in, I can split off ALL the Islamic troops from the alliance. I may even get some problems going inside Saudi Arabia, this might put parts of the invasion forces into a defensive role, reducing the overmatch.

3) Disperse my troops. Make the kills harder to get in single attacks.

4) MINES! MINES! MINES! I have several million of them and they are not getting any newer. Get some good gory film on American TV of fresh faced kids with the leg blown off. Reduce support for the war.

5) Use smaller blocking forces of my Republican Guards to slow down the advance. Use my cannon fodder as cannon fodder, draw Allied forces into kill zones. Maximize casualities, hope it will force the allies to reduce their goals & end the war on better terms.

6) Treat all Allied prisoners correctly, full Geneva Accord rights. Even better, hand them over to the Red Crescent for repatriation as soon as they are taken. DO NOT piss the Americans & Western allies off mistreating POW's.

7) Get the best terms I can when I lose. Beg to be taken into protective custody so I don't wind up with a blow torch being used on my groin.

8) Write book, become expert commentator on CNN.

[Wozza]

Originally Posted by Anaxagoras

Strike first. Throw up every plane in a massive strike against the Allied air bases in Saudi Arabia. Allied air defenses would cut most of the force to ribbons, but if even a few planes get through and drop their bombs, the results would have been catostrophic. So many Allied aircraft were jammed into so few air fields that secondary explosions would have inflicted very heavy damage.

General Schwarzkopf discussed this in his autobiography and claims that it was a matter which gave him great concern.

Also, detail a strike force of Mirage F-1s to go after the Allied fleet with Exocet missiles. As with the above, most plnes would get shot down, but even a few hits would inflict great damage.

Assuming I have no morals and ethics (and if I'm loyal to Saddam, this must be the case), position small forces with chemical weapons in southern Iraq, so that when the large American-British-French armored force moves to ouflank the main Iraqi defensive line, they can be gassed.

The airfield attack is as good as anything, it is not as if the airforce did anything useful.

The chemical weapons idea is bad though.

First of all small forces with chemical weapons are pointless - the role of chemical weapons is to dislocate and allow a breakthrough.

Secondly the British and American armies fight "dirty" -(ie they keep going after chemical attack rather than simply hunker down like most armies) , all you do is delay and then drive them very mad indeed.

Thirdly you risk nuclear retaliation.

There was one chemical weapons tactic that the Coalition was worried about Saddam using, but I am not going to tell you what it was as I am unsure it is public domain (it may well be though).

[Satyrane]

I'd have done what this guy did (big up to Akiyama for posting the article in Chat a while back).

(Wrong war, I realise, but hey.)

[Rasputin]

Originally Posted by Satyrane

I'd have done what this guy did (big up to Akiyama for posting the article in Chat a while back).

(Wrong war, I realise, but hey.)

I remember reading that when the paper was actually first printed.

It actually got me thinking as to whether it was possible to compile a 'how-to' guide to winning a war against the US military. I was even thinking of putting them into principles, such as "1. Don't give the US a moral reason to attack (ie: don't be evil). 2. If the attack occurs, take the moral high-ground (ie: show mercy to prisoners and broadcast that you're perfectly open to a negotiated settlement). 3. If the attack continues, do this and this and this." However, I am hampered in that I have no military expertise whatsoever, but someone else could make a brave attempt.

[gtrof]

First off I would have abannonded Kuwiat for the most part. I would use my RG divisions and strike south into Saudi Arabia, the objective Riyhad. Pretty much what everyone said here is the best stragety. Move fast, hit the Allied airfields with everything you have (No chemicals, can't piss off the West), treat POW accordinly, civillians, and strike before the US can build up its forces.

That would be an intresting wargame, how well could have the RDF, 101st and 82nd Airborne units in Saudi Arabia held off the Iraqi Army if Saddam had moved on the Kingdom right after Kuwait in 90?

[King Thomas]

1-Suicide bombers in boats full of explosives to sink the US fleet
2-Invade Saudi Arabia before the US is fully ready to invade and base aircraft tanks ect in Mecca and Medina,without damaging them-if the US bombs the Holy Places then the whole of the Islamic world will want to attack it.
3-Send troops to fight in civilian clothing and fire from behind civilans-the US will end up shooting lots of innocents.Act like the Vietcong did-kill enough US troops and the USA will go.

[Lujack]

I would attack Israel. Draw the Israelis into the war, and thus weaken the Coalition, because the Saudis and the other Muslim nations would not be comfortable fighting with the Israelis. Than, at least I'll have done some damage to the US.

[Lujack]

I would attack Israel. Draw the Israelis into the war, and thus weaken the Coalition, because the Saudis and the other Muslim nations would not be comfortable fighting with the Israelis. Than, at least I'll have done some damage to the US.

[Agentdark]

I would have done several main things.

1.Pull out of Kuwait and dont destroy the Oil Feilds

2. Be Mr.Moral, show how Iraq at least treats women better and does not implement islamic law.

Then if the USA+Buddies still attack

3.Send Suicide Boats and Planes with Exocets at the US carriers, if a carrier is sunk the US is hurt badly.

4.Use my Terrain advantage to lure the allies into kill zones and focus on seperatining Armor From Infantry.

5.Landmines......

6.Smuggle suicide bombers into US bases

7.Dont attack Civilians

8.Use Chemical and Bio Weapons/