0
0
0
"There is an important historical dimension to this episode that is too often ignored by Western observers. Turkey feels the phantom limb syndrome in Mosul, which would have remained within the Turkish Republican borders had Britain not forced otherwise through the 1926 Ankara Agreement. And yes, Turkey feels the same syndrome since it “lost” Mosul for a second time in June 2014, when ISIL captured the town, overran the Turkish consulate, and kidnapped the Turkish consul-general, along with 49 consulate employees. And also yes, Turkey wants to avenge this by playing a dominant role in the liberation of Mosul, both from its own historical perspective and to increase its political influence in Baghdad."
Mosul: Turkey’s Fulda Gap
Posted from warontherocks.com
Warfare
War on Terror
ISIS
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 5
1
1
0
I'm still trying to wrap my mind around an operation that has been months in planning, the date of start of operations and predictions of months to defeat ISIS in Mosul. We have been repeatedly told of their forces being decimated, yet it will take thousands to rout a contingent of them out. Not a military historian, but when has there been an operation this large since Vietnam days.
(1)
(0)
LTC Eric Udouj
Have been several operations this large by 2d tier troops - the Russians in the first battle of Grozny does come to mind. First item that peaked my interest is the low balling of IS numbers - underestimating this enemy has been a mainstay of so many articles. Understand what the Shia militia did after the last two battles - and that propaganda has magnified that 20 fold. So how what are the numbers of the IS militia in Mosul that will fight to the death because of the Shia militia's excesses? That changes the dynamics from the low ball. then there is how many of the IS forces shifted in the last month are in the uncontrolled areas? But if the strategic victory is to be won or lost after the city is taken - are the Iraqis prepared?
(0)
(0)
1
1
0
After his "successful auto coup" Erdogan has consolidated his dictatorship in Turkey. Incursions into Syria and now with troops inside Iraq show the muslim brotherhood caliph wannabe's intentions.
(1)
(0)
LTC Eric Udouj
The question all along is who exactly is he showing.... and what is his angle now. His wants were held in check before the "coup" - to an extent - but does not leave much doubt that his focus is not IS --- it is Assad.
(1)
(0)
SGT Damaso V Santana
LTC Eric Udouj - I believe his concern in Northern Syria are the Kurds (only reliable partner the US has had in those parts, both Iraq and Syria), in Syria he might make a play for Northeast Syria. In Iraq he is gunning for Mosul, again, the Kurdish population represent what he perceives as a threat. Kurds are quite autonomous in northern Iraq. There is also the Shia component of that equation. Sir I read on your profile that you are a Historian, I am and have always been in love with history. Have been out of school for a long time but Erdogan's being the poster boy for the muslim brotherhood, the US "inspired" Arab Spring, and Biden's trip to Ankara/Istanbul just before the Syrian invasion tells me this administration is in, Assad is the target. What keeps me doubtful is the role of Russia and Iran, would they allow it?
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
MSgt Keith Hebert
Wow I just looked all this up it looks great and according to Wikipedia you can use software from Hexwar to play these online
I was to young to realize they were out there
I was to young to realize they were out there
(0)
(0)
Capt Walter Miller
You don't to try "The Next War" We set it up but the rules needed a re-edit for sure.
(1)
(0)
LTC Eric Udouj
Walter - that was indeed one of my all time favorites - still have it here in my home office! Probably the most played operational/strategic level game I had during college and we did several re-interpretations of some of the rules back then.
(0)
(0)
Capt Walter Miller
I got my copy of Wacht Am Rhein in 1977. Recently we played it over and over; probably started it 10 times over about 2 years. "War in Europe" whacked my GPA in college. I have a bunch of the old Strategy and Tactics magazines, also MOVES.
(0)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google