I asked for three plans from my top officers but they came up with only two. I was happy about that. I saw it as a sign of growing competence and confidence. They were buying into my new meritocratic system - don't churn out bullshit just because the boss said so.
The first plan was spearheaded by Saad al Hashmi. It was an old timerly plan if there ever was one.
"So essentially you're suggesting a blitzkrieg into Erbil before the Kurds know what's happening and then hold tight?" I asked him trying to summarize the various nitty gritties of the surprisingly detailed plan he and his team had put together in one day.
"Yes sir," he replied confidently. Details breed confidence. Half assed plans dont. I didnt like the plan honestly but I didnt want him to lose heart.
"Its a sound plan Saad but i see a few issues," I said diplomatically. "The plan assumes that the Kurds aren't expecting an escalation in hostilities. Whereas I would say that the brazen attack indicates that they feel they're ready for war."
"Hmmm."
"The big question we should ask ourselves is why now?" I said continuing my thought process.
Saad looked thoughtful, "Because of Iran perhaps?"
I could have sworn my eyes sparkled. I was so proud of the old chap.
"Yes most likely the Kurds have a below the table deal with the Iranians for logistical support for a rebellion," I said nodding. "The Iranians know they cant start an outright war with the Americans near the border. So they're trying a proxy war."
The other plan was spearheaded by Lt. General Abbas al Shams. Another younger officer promoted during the purge. He seemed to have come up with this plan together with Faoud who I had my eye on as a rising star.
"Commander, our two main advantages over the Kurds are air and armored superiority," Abbas began. "Unfortunately as you've pointed out, the hilly terrain of the Kurdish region nullifies our armored divisions and makes infantry invasion difficult. But our air superiority remains intact."
I nodded. It made sense so far.
"What we propose is to cut off any external support for the Kurds by having our air force bomb the major roads to Iran, Turkey and Syria. That will constrain the Kurds logistically. Next, we suggest in lieu of infantry movement we rely on our paratrooper divisions to drop into Erbil and hold that as a central nexus for our control over the region."
I found the plan very compelling. But as I was examining it Saad made a good point. "These Kurds are very well versed with the terrain. Even if we bomb the roads they'll just use narrow passes and gullies to move in and out of Iraqi territory."
"Yes, but they cant exactly transport heavy weaponry quickly through the gullies," countered Faoud, "only small to mid range arms and that too very slowly and randomly. If they start like a silk road for arms our patrolling air craft will notice it and can bomb them."
"Agreed," said Saad. "But there's also the possibility that they have already or decide to construct tunnels. I mean if you think about what the Vietcong did to the Americans. They would have tunnels hundreds of feet long right into South Vietnamese territory."
They were both making excellent points. And Saad didn't know how right he was. This was a couple of decades before El Chapos pomp but the notorious cartel kingpin used tunnel to transport drugs, humans and weapons.
"Okay, great ideas and valid points, " I interjected to take control of the discussion. "I like Abbas' plan but it needs some modifications."
They leaned in and someone grabbed pen and paper to take notes.
"The paratrooper idea is out. We have very few trained paratroopers and I think you'll are discounting how tough urban warfare can be for the invading army. The Battle of Stalingrad almost wrecked the Nazi war machine singlehandedly. The thing is we dont need to have a constance presence in the rest of Kurdistan, we just need to hold Kirkuk at all costs and to deny external support to the Kurds. So yes we bomb all avenues that they could exploit to move to any of our neighbours."
There was no dispute from any of my officers.
"What I want data on is the geography and geology of the border regions. Saad is right that tunnels are a possible threat to our plan. But tunnels can't be built through bedrock, only through relatively soft material. So if we know the regions where tunnels would be possible, we can focus our air patrols there."
"But sir even if we know that, how do we prevent the tunnels from being built?" Saad asked.
"Saad you gave the example of the Vietcong tunnels. Apart from being extensive and effective they were also notoriously unstable. Many collapsed due to nearby bombardment."
"So if we know where tunnels are likely to be we don't need to bother whether they've been built or not, we just need to bombard the general area and they'll likely collapse in on themselves," said Saad slowly cottoning on.
I couldn't help flash a smile, "Exactly."
Faoud asked, "Sir if we're not parachuting into Erbil how will we occupy it?"
"I'm not too fussed about occupying it quickly to be honest," I replied to the apparent shock of everyone else.
I held up a hand to forestall any protest, "We're casting the net and then dragging it in. The fish wont know that they're slowing being reeled in. Stop focusing on Erbil. Step number one is to isolate the Kurds. Step two is to take strategic high points in the region. For that again have a look at the terrain map and figure out hilltops and ravine overlooks that we should target and hold. We'll progress gradually towards the center but the connection to the supply line must never be cut off. The kurds have better terrain experience and our troops would be sitting ducks without the advantage of high points and support lines."
"Sir what timeframe do we have to prepare the final plan and implementation," Abbas asked after the discussions had wound down.
I looked at him dead eyed, "ASAP lieutenant general, ASAP."