[Chapter 592: Late-Blooming Love]
February 15th -- a date worth remembering. After nearly a month of bombings, Saddam couldn't take it anymore; the power of rhetoric had its limits.
Since he couldn't hold out any longer, it was time to admit defeat decisively. Although it was a bit late, it was acceptable nonetheless.
Damn, you first announce acceptance of Resolution 660, then you go off trash-talking United States and their lapdogs.
In the final twist, he listed a whole slew of conditions. Well, maybe he sensed he was being too much and stated that negotiations were still on the table.
Yeah, all for world peace.
If today were April 1st, people would surely think this was a prank.
This guy isn't just wildly imaginative; he's got a serious case of a brain short-circuit. First off, let's not even discuss your acts of aggression. They didn't provoke you or offer you any air bases; how do you justify bombing them?
Okay, that's not really the point. As long as you win, nobody can complain. But the issue is, you even lost your underwear -- now who do you think you're scaring?
This whole thing could have been negotiable a month ago. Once fighting started, the losses on both sides would be immense. We're talking a loss of over a billion dollars a day, not exactly chump change.
To be honest, the moment this guy announces acceptance of Resolution 660, for the U.S. to want to continue fighting, they'd have to think about international and domestic opinions. Stopping now would be an acceptable outcome for both sides.
Of course, if you persist, the U.S. will start to worry too. That's precisely why ground war hasn't kicked off yet.
Admit defeat?
Great, it looks like it'll be no problem at all! Admitting defeat now means you're totally out of options. If the U.S. doesn't know what to do at this point, they might as well hang it up.
"Sir, it's decided -- we're teaming up with the Desert Tycoon, and the mission to take back Kuwait is left to him."
"Ha, Max, even if there won't be too much intense fighting, still, be careful. I never thought Saddam would enlist special forces. I wonder if those guys even evacuated."
"Kuwait's in chaos, and satellite recon indicates their control isn't that strong."
"Hmm, let's show some force. I estimate your partners are a bunch of weaklings; better to advance solo than have your back exposed to those guys."
"Okay, sir. They don't want to make the first move."
William White wasn't surprised at all. You want rich guys to risk their lives? Unless their wives and kids were kidnapped, don't count on them to fight bravely.
Why are Gurkhas such tough fighters? They're fighting for their families. The price of a single life is priceless, with no deception involved.
Every year, England recruits soldiers -- that's the only military unit that can hold its own.
"By the way, Max, let the Apaches handle the cover. The front line is too chaotic; we don't have an enemy identification system, so we can't afford to get friendly fire."
"Alright, I'll coordinate with the Air Force for escort."
"If that doesn't work, let the Kuwaitis apply pressure. They spent hundreds of billions; it wouldn't be right not to give them some respect."
Kuwait is stubbornly pushing ahead, and if Saddam just pulls back now, they'll never hear the end of it.
One relief is that this group of hired guns has shown reliable military competence. After several encounters with that damned Scud, they've managed to avoid significant losses.
Being well-trained makes all the difference, unlike amateurs. The fierceness they exude gives a strong sense of reliability.
...
"George, what brings you here? If it were ancient times, you'd be on the front lines eating sand."
"No wonder you're always in L.A.; the weather here is just too nice."
"Yeah, when the wildfires break out, the whole city smells like smoked meat. Someday I'm moving to Lanai."
"Tsk tsk, those Japanese aren't coming? You really know how to make money."
"Come on, canceling after three years of non-payment is reasonable. Nobody's going to come; do you know how many of them play golf? Close to twenty million."
"Are you kidding? That's outrageous."
"Ha! You think I built a golf course just for fun?"
Bush Jr. had no choice but to admire this guy's ability to rake in the cash. His purpose in coming this time was, of course, to play the mediator.
As the battle is about to conclude, the U.S. won't finish Saddam off; that was the initial plan for war.
Now here's the issue: once the U.S. has completed its mission, it's certain they'll leave. So if Saddam blows up again, where should the Desert Tycoons go?
Last time, they all fled; what about next time? Is there a chance of that kind of luck again?
What? You think the U.S. will help them seek revenge?
Ha! You're dead; whether or not revenge matters really doesn't hold much weight.
"Training? Sure, just pay up. However, I recommend they hire some directly. I don't need that many. You know how things are in Africa, it's not operational."
"You're something else; if you partner with the CIA, Gaddafi will be nothing."
"Come on; if your dad was the CIA head, those clowns would've already been handled by me."
"Seriously, it's been ages; times have changed. Otherwise, do you really think they'd need outside help?"
"Forget it; they're in too deep. I'm just a small fry, and if I'm not careful, it'll be a real hassle."
Bush Jr. didn't expect William White to be so agreeable. It seemed William also understood the caution of others.
Since the task was easy, he was in the clear. There were some things best left unsaid to avoid hurting feelings.
"Oh, by the way, I heard you used a super yacht for supplies?"
"Now that's just nonsense; I converted it into a temporary hospital ship. Sigh, better not need it; ground wars are a bit risky."
"Ha! I tell you, don't speak carelessly. Big movements are coming soon. You're worried here, but Washington is even more concerned. If the casualty count is too high, the Donkeys will surely come out swinging."
"That would be good; if there are no casualties, it'll be quite profitable this time. By the way, you can work a favor, and Max here will be quick. They've got to ensure air cover."
"Alright, I will pass the word."
"Let's go grab a bite first, then we can enjoy ourselves."
"Didn't I hear you quit drinking?"
"You don't understand; my finger got hurt, and I need the blood circulation, so I need to drink a little."
These days, William White generally eats at the White Center. He's got all the world's cuisine here, so there's no need to seek elsewhere.
"Wait, you call this the employee cafeteria?"
"This is certainly not just that; this is the small banquet hall, my personal dining place. If executives have needs, they can use it too."
"Tsk, you're living better than my old man."
"I'm using my own money, haha! If your dad dared to do this, the Donkeys would go nuts."
*****
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