[Chapter 561: Timid]
As the propaganda escalated, more and more American citizens became aware that the footsteps of war were marching toward them.
This time, America was set to be once again caught up in yet another pointless war.
Yes, that Saddam was truly evil; just watch NBC's propaganda to see that. His status was on par with that little mustached guy. However, that wasn't our concern. Sacrificing our own for the peace of others was just absurd.
Don't be surprised; after the Vietnam War ended, the most popular sentiment in America was anti-establishment. Don't bother preaching values to young people; hardly anyone cared.
In fact, mainstream society was just as confused. Come on, when you needed allies, couldn't you be a bit more serious? What kind of idiots were these?
Collapsing at the first touch?
For them, "collapsing at the first touch" was a compliment. They simply fled without firing a shot. The gunfire that took place in the palace to them was merely a form of robbery.
Two major wars seemed to have been fought via proxy.
"Sir, other than military stocks, all the others are dropping. An economic recession seems unavoidable."
"Ha ha, it's just worry over the war, Filson. The actual situation isn't as exaggerated as what you see on TV."
"Sir, you're saying that Saddam is just a facade."
"He's certainly a facade, a crazed fool at that. The war ships have blocked their exit. They struggle to get supplies. Lacking food, ammunition, and even fuel, how can they fight a war?"
"That's good. If a Vietnam-like war were to occur again, the Federal Reserve might collapse."
"Ha ha ha, no way. We didn't have the moral high ground in that war, and that's crucial. Now it's different; Saddam is the aggressor, and if it comes to it, they can always use the big weapons."
"No way, if that happens, it's bound to get chaotic."
"Ha ha, do you believe me? Just by saying it, that guy will be done for. His generals will surely bring him down."
Hearing his boss say this, Filson felt relieved.
Just as William White said, if they couldn't win, they might as well smash everything and drop two big weapons to finish it.
...
William White spoke energetically. Yet, they didn't know that Washington was in chaos. The initially planned troop number of 100,000 had already soared to an outrageous number.
Generals lacked confidence, soldiers lacked confidence, and the bunch of politicians in Washington lacked confidence even more.
"What, a million? Are you kidding? Are they planning to drive out or take him out?"
"Of course, it's about driving him out. If they get a chance to take him out, they won't hold back."
"Damn, over 500,000 troops? You don't even need to fight; the logistics would wear them down. This number is already extreme."
"But, Saddam has over a million troops. If mobilized, they might gather another million."
"Ha ha ha, a place that can't even produce a single gun or cannon has no war potential at all. If the first wave can't hold, there's no need to fight."
"Ugh, I hope you're right. That think tank doesn't see it that way."
"Ha ha ha, George, if you believed them, you'd be better off digging a hole and burying yourself. They think there's going to be a world war every day."
"Ha ha, people have a high opinion of your security company."
"Psh, don't bring that up. If they won't fight on their own, they'll have others act as cannon fodder. Do they think we're a bunch of fools?"
"Ha, I knew you'd say that. I was just asking."
"Buddy, the way you say it, seems like Saddam isn't going to compromise."
"Hmm, I truly can't understand it. The conditions are decent; why doesn't this guy know when to take the high road?"
Knowing when to take the high road?
William White silently laughed bitterly. Given America's horrible track record in recent years, it was hard to expect respect. Respect was earned through strength; just howling weakly wouldn't earn you anything.
...
Of course, there were still many who could see the situation clearly. Setting aside William White, the time traveler, those arms suppliers wouldn't regard Saddam with any seriousness.
America, defeated repeatedly, hadn't been idle these past couple of years. During the so-called Golden Valley operation, they pulled out several new toys.
In their minds, they could cripple Iraq's radar and communication within fifteen minutes. In thirty minutes, they could eliminate all air power.
Without seas, without airspace, without communication. My God, if that army still lost the war in this situation, there was nothing left to say.
"Ha ha, I knew it would be like that, those idiots in the CIA." Bush Sr. laughed heartily. To him, dangerous tasks could be outsourced, like rescuing their pilots. Outsourcing frontline work was just chaos.
"Dad, from what he's saying, we in Washington might have overestimated Saddam. Just like William White said, we'll just surround him. After a month of bombarding, Saddam might really be out of his mind."
"Ugh, we can't just run wild, though. Accidental injuries should be avoided if we can. The whole world is watching; we can't be too excessive."
That's why William White couldn't cut it as a politician. Many of his ideas were indeed a bit naive.
"Dad, with this group of people, Saddam shouldn't expand his gains, right?"
"Ugh, that's my biggest worry. If they go on a reckless rampage, the price of oil will skyrocket. If the Soviets catch their breath, we'll be in big trouble."
*****
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