Chapitre 493: Chapter 493: Serious Misjudgment
[Chapter 580: Serious Misjudgment]
After the Vietnam War, there hasn't been a large-scale regional conflict like this in the world. What the Soviets did in Afghanistan was just a joke.
According to the data on the blueprint, the difference between the two sides isn't significant. Let's not even discuss air superiority -- America's advantages are all-around. The big guy doesn't even intend to contest air control with America.
The Navy?
That's a no-go. The only naval military power the big guy has is those frogmen.
Missiles?
That's quite controversial. America's missile accuracy is very high, but they might not actually have many more than Saddam.
Even though Tomahawk missiles are top-notch, their price is extremely high. Ten Scud missiles might not even buy you one. Due to its small operational radius, Saddam actually benefits. Scuds are short-range missiles with low technical requirements. If you trade one Tomahawk for a Scud launch pad, America would still come out behind.
Of course, personnel losses aren't included in this calculation. Even though it counts as a technical troop, its value isn't very high.
As for the army, that's a different story. America and its buddies cobbled together around 600,000 troops, and that includes the Navy and Air Force.
Iraq mobilized 1.2 million troops, which means that on the ground, they have three times the number of troops as America. Plus, they are the defending party.
Anyone who's played Command & Conquer knows that if the side with fewer troops attacks, it's basically a free gift. Even if they barely break through the outer defenses, their losses will be extremely heavy.
During this time, even though everyone was negotiating, Saddam wasn't sitting idle. The more authoritative sources say that he constructed three defensive lines, deploying a total of 400,000 troops.
In such a small area, it's like people piled on top of each other. If America tries to achieve a breakthrough on the ground, the price to pay will be unimaginable.
Some unscrupulous commentators have exaggerated this defensive line. According to them, this is just like the Marne River in Kuwait. Iraq will utilize its numerical advantage to bleed America dry.
"Jason, are you joking about the Vietnam War? Is there any jungle in the desert? If you hide in the sand, you'll definitely get roasted."
"No, the whole world is saying this. There's a guy named Thomas Lancer something who makes a lot of sense."
"Thomas Lancer? Alright, that guy is from the OSPR (Office of Strategic Public Relations). If you believe him, haha, buddy, you'll totally be taken for a ride."
"Stop it. He's a general; what OSPR?"
"Ha, I was just kidding. In fact, those so-called experts are fools. Trench warfare? My god, is anyone still that clueless?"
"What else would they do? Missiles are so expensive; they can't possibly bomb trenches -- that's just too costly."
William White was stunned but quickly snapped back to reality. The concept of a three-dimensional warfare strategy was still merely an idea. Let's face it, even the American high-level advisors were only half convinced; otherwise, why would they gather so many troops?
"I feel that unless most of the facilities are destroyed, the army wouldn't dare to move in. Do you believe it? Unless American soldiers go in themselves, no one else is going to willingly die."
...
While William White was shooting the breeze with his best buddy to kill time, others weren't having it so easy. America had gone all out -- six aircraft carriers had already gone over, not to mention that England and France weren't backing down either.
In William White's eyes, England's ship was basically just decor. It couldn't carry many planes, and it needed a bunch of warships to protect it.
Because of a series of misjudgments, America cleared out its arms depots. But that wasn't all; arms factories were working overtime. Washington felt they had to bomb for at least two months. Maybe once the big guy got fed up with being bombed, he'd decide to surrender.
Ground warfare was terrifying, and Saddam wouldn't go down without a fight. With 4,500 tanks -- counting the ones that can't move -- and 3,000 armored vehicles, these aren't just bulletproof SUVs; they're standard armored vehicles equipped with weapons. Not to mention 3,000 pieces of artillery.
Okay, this guy is indeed formidable.
William White couldn't quite wrap his head around how strong he was. The Iran-Iraq War didn't seem to score him many points. Could it be that he had some kind of built-in dimwit halo?
The beta version of Command & Conquer was something to behold. It was also very relevant to the current situation, making it a sudden hit.
"Hey, boss, when's that final version coming out?"
"At least two more months; it's still not very stable, especially in multiplayer."
"Man, those PC manufacturers are probably turning green with envy. If they miss out on this wave, they'll really be sunk."
"Whatever, look at IBM; it's standing still."
For the Big Blue's sluggishness, William White could only express his admiration. If they continued on this path, they'd soon be digging their own graves. In an industry that values innovation, they had a slow-moving elderly figure.
Oh well, it's exactly that.
...
"Mr. President, the planes assembled around us have exceeded one thousand. Those Soviets are unwilling to undertake missions."
"They're a bunch of bastards, willingly barking for America. And those damn Soviets have no credibility." Saddam was furious; the situation was not unfolding as he had planned.
To keep up the appearances in the desert region, Israel didn't respond to his call and chose to remain a bystander.
This was something Saddam hadn't anticipated. In his view, if he went to war with America, the surrounding partners would probably remain neutral. But if Israel joined in, the wealthier factions in the desert might help him.
Unfortunately, it seemed his plans had fallen through. Even that CIA student Laden showed up to spectate, while Israel refused to join the fight.
Well, that was their story. In fact, America was also afraid of angering the masses. Kuwait really wasn't well-liked.
"Mr. President, we must make some adjustments. Those planes and tanks must be hidden. Otherwise, they will be bombed directly."
"What do you suggest?"
"If we hide them in the cities, will they give up?"
"Sigh, that's still not secure. Those tanks are our capital; we absolutely cannot afford any losses."
Saddam was quite anxious at the moment. Things had gotten to this point; he had little room for compromise. Once swallowed, the things he took in couldn't be spat out. Even if he was willing, his subordinates wouldn't accept it.
He was definitely becoming more clear-headed; robbing is not a good way to get rich. With his maritime transport routes cut off, life was tougher than before.
Sure, he had seized oil, and there were plenty of gold and greenbacks, but these things wouldn't trade for supplies. Prices at home were skyrocketing. If this continued, he'd truly be in trouble.
It was unfortunate, but now there was no turning back. With royal family members suffering casualties in Kuwait, that was already a mortal enmity.
It was all those damned intelligence officers' fault; they brought back a false report and cost some lives in the process.
Allies, they need allies right now. That damned Gaddafi is also a coward. If he stir things up now, wouldn't that relieve some pressure on him?
Over 600,000 troops, thousands of fighter jets, nine aircraft carriers. Knowing the line-up here, Gaddafi had already tucked his head in. If you big guy can hold on, then keep it to yourself, and go toe-to-toe with America. If not, you might as well just perish.
*****
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