Fragile Victory
Abstract
Fragile Victory is an analysis of Iraqi operations during the Second Gulf War (Desert Storm). The paper's purpose is to determine if the Iraqi defeat was inevitable or, through better employment of their forces and adherence to accepted tenants of operational art, their performance could have been better. Generally the paper is limited to options available to the Iraqis once Desert Storm had begun. However, the benefits of an early Iraqi strike into Saudi Arabia are examined. Fragile Victory reveals there were other options available to the Iraqis which could have either prolonged the war, or caused the Coalition forces to suffer unacceptable casualties. In fact a preemptive invasion of Saudi Arabia might have foiled the Coalition plans to liberate Kuwait. In conclusion, this work demonstrates what a fragile victory Desert Storm was and warns against drawing false conclusions in a war fought against unwilling, poorly led opponent fighting with yesterday's equipment.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 08, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA279586
Entities
People
- Mark H. Walker
Organizations
- Naval War College