Chapitre 507: Chapter 507: Regret
[Chapter 594: Regret? I Absolutely Hate It.]
On February 22nd, the Soviets proposed an absurd suggestion. Unconditional surrender wasn't on the table, but a conditional retreat was acceptable -- everyone would just pretend this whole thing never happened.
Seriously? A one-day ceasefire followed by a twenty-one-day withdrawal?
Let's put aside the right and wrong here; are you really going to use those twenty-one days to move your stuff? You took over this place in just fourteen hours!
Upon hearing this ridiculous suggestion, Kuwaitis were furious. Seriously, you're being way too unreasonable. What will be left of our country in twenty-one days? Besides refugees, we'll probably have nothing.
As for their anger, Saddam chose to ignore it, blissfully proud of himself. Just as he was feeling on top of the world, the airstrikes, which had been scaled back, suddenly intensified.
This time, it was much more severe than on the first day of the strikes.
You couldn't even retaliate, and the American forces weren't going to hold back. Forget the fighter jets; propeller planes were still being sent out for missions.
Yes, you read that correctly -- the A10, this old, dusty relic just waiting in the warehouse, had become the nightmare of armored units.
Faced with a MiG, it might pose a danger, but there is still a fighting chance. Against Saddam's tanks, its accuracy was better than that of an F16.
Nearly a hundred thousand tons of bombs, over three hundred missiles of various types, fell onto Saddam's head like rain. The communications that had just been restored were cut off again, and all frontline units lost contact.
The damage from this round far exceeded the losses of the prior month. Everyone was waiting for negotiations, and the military simply didn't take the situation seriously enough. They couldn't understand it either; there was no formal agreement, so what was with this lax approach?
The frontline forces had lost half their troops, and losses in the rear were close to a quarter.
In war, no matter how elite your forces are, if you lose more than half, you can consider that unit effectively collapsed.
Moreover, the so-called elite of Iraq's forces were merely his own claims. You were telling us you're just as competent as the neighbor, bickering in the street. Don't even think of comparing yourself to the Soviets or the Americans; you're not even on the same level as the French.
Saddam was furious; he couldn't believe that the Americans were so shameless. Seriously, if you don't want to talk, then don't put on a show that you really do.
Not satisfied with our conditions?
Can't we make some concessions? Isn't that just a case of outrageous demands? We didn't say you could never pay us back. Okay, fine, maybe my conditions are a bit excessive, but come on!
Damn it, my military troupes!
he was raging, with three fourth of his army already eliminated. He was now in a completely manic state.
His troops weren't faring much better; with the war in such dire straits, what was the point of continuing a passive defense? Those silly wooden models rarely became targets for the Americans. Unless they grouped too closely together, the enemy wouldn't even waste a bomb on them.
Trying to fool the Americans with cruise missiles?
Ha! Those things are much more agile and you can't just fire and forget about them. Do you really think they're like your Scud missiles?
Saddam now regretted it; he was well aware of the situation on the front lines. Under such heavy bombardment, his defenses could be wiped out in a single strike.
...
"Sir, we're ready to launch an offensive at any moment; let me confirm once more. There shouldn't be too many obstacles."
"Don't worry, the promised bonuses from them don't matter to me. There's no need to exchange lives for money. We've assessed the situation after this wave of bombings; the front has lost at least half its strength. Plus, two satellites have passed overhead; if there are any changes, you'll know first."
"Okay, sir, now I'm reassured. You don't know; I've got two thousand loafers here, these rich kids are practically on vacation."
"Ha ha, Max, don't worry about it; when they reach their doorstep, they'll feel a sense of honor. These are the creme de la creme of the forces."
"Alright, sir, I'll go prepare."
...
This damn war is finally coming to an end. After all, the main target for the Americans is still the Soviets, especially if oil prices remain high for a long time. Those guys might just survive after all.
The bipolar structure has been ended by treaties; apart from some sensitive materials, no restrictions can be placed. If the Soviets resolve their economic issues, wouldn't they have no reason to perish?
Compared to the Soviets, Iraq is nothing at all. The one and only command from Washington is to end the fight quickly.
The war in the desert had severely disrupted oil production in the region. If production doesn't recover soon, oil prices could skyrocket.
Once oil wells and depots were ignited, Washington, while angry, also visibly breathed a sigh of relief. Saddam, in his desperation, thought if he couldn't have it, neither should the Americans.
Smoke filled the air -- this was the current state of affairs in the desert. The entire world seemed cast in an eerie red hue.
When viewers across the globe tuned into their televisions to see all of this unfold, shock was likely the only response, followed by just more shock.
They realized that the figure across from the Americans was completely out of his mind. The sand was ablaze, tanks were burning, and even the seas were on fire.
...
"Yikes, hey, Fulton, don't buy any caviar from the Black Sea, just try to grab as much as you can from the market right now."
"Uh, sir, it seems they didn't burn that area."
"It doesn't matter; within a thousand kilometers, everything is saturated with harmful substances. While it will eventually be neutralized by the seawater, it's going to take many, many years."
For food enthusiasts, it's all good if you guys want to fight, but destroying the environment is a different matter altogether. Damn it, that's just inhumane.
So you see, food lovers are the most peace-loving people in the world. Their first concern is whether their food will be affected. William White firmly believes that this world will be saved by food enthusiasts, so today, let's have caviar.
This stuff is expensive; William White doesn't like to eat it out. It's pricey, and the hotels weigh it out each time they serve it. It makes him feel uneasy, like he's eating laundry detergent.
At home, it doesn't matter; he can eat half and throw half away. Don't ask why; it's normal for bored, rich folks to behave that way.
The war was going surprisingly smoothly; it wouldn't be inaccurate to say it's a game of speed.
Without a doubt, Kuwait, equipped with numerous Bentley SUVs and light armored vehicles, was the fastest. When they reached the site of the palace, Saddam's troops were still looting.
Well, usually, those are the first to fall. No matter how valuable the treasure, it can't compare to your life. Of course, they might flee, but the chances of a successful escape are quite slim.
Post-war statistics show that 120,000 lost their lives, and 200,000 were captured. Just think about it, the frontline forces had only over 400,000 troops. Apart from those missing, only a few thousand made it back.
Saddam's most elite forces crumbled to dust. There were no entrenched defenses, no urban warfare. The scene at the palace looked more like a mop-up operation against bandits.
*****
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État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone