Waiting for a Better Moment: Revising Iraqi Grand Strategy

Abstract

Based on world developments since August, a reevaluation of Iraqi diplomatic and military strategies are in order. The US response to Iraqi annexation and occupation of Kuwait has profoundly exceeded predictions. Despite Ambassador Glaspie's comment that "the US takes no side in the border dispute with Kuwait" (Economist, 29 Sep 90), the US has taken dramatic and unprecedented steps in the movement of forces and consolidation of world public opinion in condemnation of Iraq. US/coalition force levels are being increased daily in order to achieve a decisive, offensive force to drive Iraq out of Kuwait. The United Nations has sanctioned the use of force, and the US Congress will soon follow. Iraqi strategy must focus on the vulnerable center-of- gravity of US/coalition public opinion instead of their formidable military strength. Only by playing for time and frustrating President Bush's desire for military action, can Iraq achieve its long-term objectives.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 06, 1992
Accession Number
ADA440731

Entities

People

  • Ahmed Tariq-hassan

Organizations

  • National War College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Counter WMD
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Agreements
  • Air Strikes
  • Center Of Gravity
  • Cold War
  • Electronic Warfare
  • European Communities
  • Governments
  • Information Operations
  • Joint Military Activities
  • Military Capabilities
  • Military Strategy
  • Public Opinion
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Training
  • United Nations
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Political science

Readers

  • Military History of the United States in the 20th Century.
  • Military and Counterinsurgency Studies.
  • Strategic Security Studies