Middle Eastern tyrants

Chapter 168 Amir's Fury

When the General Headquarters learned of the defeat, Ibrahim was so angry he almost laughed: "At least they knew to tell us after they were defeated, didn't they?"

Major General Qasim's mistakes were clearly more than just the defeat.

First, he disobeyed military orders. The command headquarters ordered him to "block the enemy's attack," but he misinterpreted it, which was a blatant defiance of the supreme commander's orders.

Secondly, there was dereliction of duty and abuse of power. He disregarded the overall situation of the battle in order to win honor for himself and his troops, which was a serious dereliction of duty.

Thirdly, he was reckless and made serious misjudgments. As a senior commander, he underestimated the negative impact of weather and environment on his own armored forces, as well as the enemy's preparedness and adaptability. This proves that Major General Qasim lacked the basic tactical skills and prudence required for the position.

The last point is that it causes irreparable and significant losses, with consequences that are difficult to estimate.

Under normal circumstances, either of these offenses would be grounds for dismissal or execution.

But this is Arabia, and if these kinds of bizarre actions don't happen a few times, it seems abnormal.

Fortunately, after defeating Al-Iraq's main force, the Zionists did not seem to choose to press their advantage. The mud also restricted their progress, forcing them to consider waiting for the weather to clear before launching another attack.

“The most urgent task now is to plug this gap in Al-Irag as soon as possible,” Lu Lin rubbed his tired temples. “Let the 12th Mechanized Infantry Division in the rear take over first. We cannot allow Zion to take advantage of the situation and threaten our entire flank.”

Fahd raised a question: "But the 12th Mechanized Infantry Division is a heavy division, so it will definitely take a long time for them to get here."

“How about we use a deception?” Ibrahim suggested. “Although the position is currently undefended, we have stockpiled a lot of camouflage equipment there, which might come in handy now.”

When the United States was transporting supplies, they also gave them quite a few inflatable tanks. Although they weren't the T-series, they could still make a show of things in the low visibility of heavy rain.

"This is the only thing we can do now."

Without much hesitation, Lu Lin ordered, "Immediately erect a large number of empty, waterproof tents behind the existing positions, and use inflatable tanks to camouflage armored units. Have the cooking units double the number of cooking points in the safe area to increase the amount of smoke, and keep radio communications active."

The communications soldier immediately relayed the command post's orders to the southern wedge position. Fahad whispered, "Hopefully we can fool them for a few days."

All that's left to do is see if luck is on their side.

Lu Lin's expression turned serious. The problem he faced next was how to deal with Major General Qasim, who had made a serious mistake.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Tel Aviv, Zion General Staff Headquarters.

Eight hours had passed since Al-Iraq launched its attack, and Chief of the General Staff General Yeshavishin received a battle report from the front.

However, all the high-ranking commanders in Zion were thinking the same thing: "Could they be putting us down?"

Yeshavishin pondered for a moment: "Could it be that Amir is planning to use us to weaken his disobedient ally?"

Commander Morda offered a different perspective: "Perhaps he intends to launch a surprise attack while our attention is tied up in the Galilee Plain to the north."

Chief of the General Staff Lazars retorted, "Impossible. If he were to launch a surprise attack, why wouldn't he use his main force?"

Commander Morda looked somewhat displeased: "Then what brilliant idea do you have?"

“Uh,” Lazars couldn’t really guess the motive either, but he still tried to suggest a possibility: “Maybe Amir wanted to test our army’s reaction speed and defense strength in bad weather. Although the cost was a bit high.”

He couldn't explain it either, mainly because this conflict was so illogical, completely unlike the efficient and powerful fighting style of the Arab coalition forces at the beginning of the war, and full of surprises and recklessness.

Just then, Air Force Commander General Gorodish muttered, "Is it possible that Al-Ilag and his gang made a stupid mistake, trying to steal the credit, and ended up running right into our line of fire?"

The meeting room fell silent for a moment.

All the senior generals looked at each other in bewilderment. Although this idea was extremely contrary to military logic, it seemed to have a very damn Arab style!
In past Middle East wars, such disastrous defeats caused by internal strife and poor coordination have occurred frequently within the Arab coalition forces.

Everyone was discussing it, and even General Yeshavishin couldn't help but admit, "The possibility is small, but it does exist."

The Zion commander-in-chief was indeed tempted at that moment.

If Grodit's guess is true, then a huge opportunity to win is right in front of them.

A gap in the defenses of a division was right in front of them. If they could exploit this opening, they could shake up the entire battle plan and even force the Shuangzhi forces in Galilee and the Yarmouk Valley to retreat, completely erasing the advantages previously gained by the Arab army.

At this moment, Brigadier General Elan, the brigade commander in charge of the defensive battle, received a phone call at the command post: "Your Excellency, our army has successfully defeated the enemy's armored vanguard. I believe this is a good opportunity to expand our gains!"

"Don't rush. In this weather, we're not much better off than the Arabs," General Yeshavishen said calmly. He ordered, "Eran, your troops will hold their ground and strengthen vigilance. I will send out reconnaissance troops to investigate the enemy's rear. Until then, no advance is permitted without my orders!"

Brigadier General Elan: "Understood."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

A little earlier in time, on the Al-Ilag front, Lieutenant Colonel Hadi, who was in charge of logistics, received news of the frontline collapse and an urgent order from the Allied Command.

"Yes, I understand. We will quickly deploy camouflage." He straightened up immediately. "We guarantee we will hold out at all costs until reinforcements arrive!"

Upon receiving the order, Lieutenant Colonel Hardy immediately sprang into action. With nearly a thousand logistics personnel remaining at the camp, he quickly organized a team to set up the inflatable tanks.

But not long after, Lieutenant Colonel Hardy received a report from the quartermaster: "Sir, the weather is terrible! The United States' inflatable tanks are being blown all over the place, especially the gun barrels, they can't stand upright at all! It looks so fake!"

This can't go on. Lieutenant Colonel Hardy was extremely anxious, knowing full well the importance of this mission.

Then, a thought struck him, and he asked the quartermaster, "How many cannons do we have left that can still fire?"

"Uh, a dozen or so? Dozens? I'm not sure!"

The quartermaster was also unsure how many artillery pieces Major General Qasim had taken, "but I'm sure we don't have many shells left."

"Who said I was going to use these shells to shoot at the other side?"

Lieutenant Colonel Hardy hurriedly urged, "Quickly! Concentrate these artillery pieces on the second-line positions! Then bring over the division's propaganda team's recording equipment and the high-powered battlefield loudspeaker system!"

During the Fourth Middle East War, every battle fought by Shuangzhi in Al-Iraq was repeatedly studied by officers from various countries as teaching material. In Sergiev Posad, Chief of Staff Ibrahim used battlefield loudspeakers to demoralize the Zionists.

Lieutenant Colonel Hardy was preparing to learn this tactic and give the Zionians a 24-hour "firepower barrage"!
After understanding the lieutenant colonel's plan, the quartermaster suddenly realized what was going on and immediately prepared to go.

High-powered loudspeaker equipment is not uncommon; it is deployed in military units at the division level and above.

Lieutenant Colonel Hardy looked up at the overcast and rainy sky, thinking to himself:

God bless, I hope this tactic will work.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Just after General Yessavishen issued the reconnaissance order, Lieutenant Itay of Zion took off swiftly from Lamat David Air Force Base in his Mirage III and headed to the designated area along the Hashim River.

Throughout the process, he maintained extremely low-altitude flight to avoid radar, and when approaching the target area, he suddenly pulled up for a brief high-speed observation.

In such terrible weather, the ground was a blurry mess, and with the sky so dark, it was almost impossible to see anything with the naked eye.

However, pilots actually have other ways to judge the size of enemy forces on the ground, such as the strength of radio signals, using flares to see reflections on the ground, the density of patrol vehicles, and so on.

Just then, a series of booming cannon fire came through Yitai's headphones, gradually increasing in volume and almost becoming a continuous roar!

The intensity of the artillery fire made him feel the deck beneath his feet tremble. "Headquarters, this is 'Skyhawk'," Ita reported, while the clear sound of artillery fire in the background also transmitted back to Tel Aviv via radio. "The enemy's artillery fire behind their positions is exceptionally heavy; I'm trying to observe..."

In the Tel Aviv General Staff headquarters, Yeshavishin and everyone else could clearly hear the sound of artillery fire coming from the radio.

Yeshavishen walked to the map and immediately asked into the microphone, "Itay, report your location!"

Itai's report was accompanied by the roar of engines and the faint sound of cannons.

Commander Morda judged from experience: "This density and sustained artillery fire is equivalent to at least three full-strength artillery battalions, or even a reinforced heavy artillery brigade firing effectively."

This assertion immediately resonated with the other generals in the room, who nodded in agreement, their faces displaying a complex mix of "I knew it" and "I almost fell for their trap."

"This is Amir's trick!" Commander Morda asserted, attempting to find a plausible explanation for this bizarre victory.

Chief of the General Staff Lazars glanced at him, then spoke: "It seems that Gorodish's guess was too optimistic. The Arabs are not reckless fools; they have indeed reserved a powerful reserve artillery. If we had rashly committed armored forces to pursue them just now, the entire vanguard would probably be exposed in the enemy's pre-set artillery kill zone, with unimaginable consequences."

“Perhaps this is his plan,” Commander Moda realized, raising his voice slightly. “He’s using the retreating Al-Ilag troops as bait to lure us into an attack, and then using his heavy artillery to kill our manpower.”

Yesavishin frowned, his intuition sensing an inexplicable unease, but the noisy and assertive analysis of his colleagues around him interfered with his usually incredibly accurate insight.

In addition, he had a fever—though it wasn't outwardly apparent, the usually sharp-minded Commander-in-Chief of Zion was now quite confused.

After a brief but heavy deliberation, he made a decision and called Brigadier General Eran at the front: "Eran, cancel the offensive plan and hold the position. The reconnaissance troops have discovered a heavy artillery ambush behind enemy lines. This is very likely an Arab trap!"

Are you using a division as bait?

Brigadier General Elan also sensed something was amiss, but after thinking about it, he realized that perhaps the reports from his frontline troops were too optimistic and exaggerated the results.

Although he was somewhat disappointed, he also breathed a sigh of relief, since attacking the enemy's pre-set position in the mud was an extremely dangerous act.

"Understood, headquarters. Cancel the attack and hold the position," he replied.

In the General Staff, General Gorodish, who had never been well-regarded by mainstream opinion, secretly pursed his lips and muttered to himself, "What if this is just another feint by that Amir on the other side? Don't forget, in Nukhoshir, he almost fooled us all with a pile of broken wood and mud..."

But he didn't dare say it out loud, partly because everyone could hear the gunfire earlier, and partly because the conclusion was reached by everyone together.

On the other hand, if something really goes wrong, who will bear this huge responsibility?

Furthermore, General Gorodish wasn't particularly interested in merit. As the Air Force Commander, his rank had reached its limit, with little room for advancement.

"I'd rather do nothing than make a mistake."

In the end, he simply looked at the map silently, suppressing his doubts.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

As soon as Tamiya entered, she saw Lu Lin and Ibrahim sitting under the chandelier, half of their faces hidden in the shadows.

"What's going on? Why are you so serious?"

He spread his hands and joked, "This doesn't look good. Is it another case where I have to take the blame?"

"There's no blame you should take."

Ibrahim looked at his well-rested colleague. He and Lu Lin had been extremely busy these past two days, not only having not slept well for several days, but also smelling of something bad. "I called you here because I wanted you to come and give me some advice."

He then recounted in detail how Major General Qasim of Al-Ilag disobeyed orders, acted recklessly, and ultimately led to the near annihilation of the main force of the 10th Division.

After hearing this, Taimiye shrugged and said, "What else is there to say? Just execute them."

Ibrahim frowned: "You are, after all, the Grand Imam, the highest-ranking political official sent by the Church. How can you just order him to be killed? This is, after all, an Allied major general, not an animal!"

"According to military discipline, law, battle results, and losses, which one of these isn't enough to execute him?" Taimiye sneered, "Don't even mention once, he could be executed ten times over. What else do you want me to say?"

“It’s not that simple.” Ibrahim had to suppress his temper and explain: “Don’t forget, in Ghanam, a lieutenant general once executed a deputy secretary general of Al-Iraq. At that time, the Ba’an Party could turn a blind eye, but this time, if they execute another powerful major general, what will people in Al-Iraq think?”
Perhaps they will see this as a continuous series of humiliations and provocations, even forcing them to withdraw from the war! Who can bear this responsibility?

Ibrahim continued, "Furthermore, executing a senior Allied commander will definitely cause an earthquake within the Allied forces. It will severely damage the prestige that the commander has just established, and he will be seen as domineering and tyrannical by other Allied countries, and may even cause a crisis of trust!"

Tamiya listened quietly to the side. In fact, he understood everything as soon as he heard Ibrahim's initial account of what had happened.

His gaze fell on Lu Lin, who remained silent throughout. He knew that the commander-in-chief probably wanted to execute that "idiot" directly, but he couldn't just do it.

And I am the most suitable person.

Job matching also represents "God's supervision".

He sighed inwardly. Oh well, since he had already clearly chosen sides last time, sometimes it was necessary to throw some mud at himself.

Tamiya sat on the stool, stretched out her legs, and asked, "Have you discussed this with Al-Irag?"

Ibrahim shook his head: "Not yet, we haven't even told His Highness the Prince, for fear of making things more complicated."

Taimiye thought for a moment, then turned to Lu Lin and said, "Since we've come this far, boss, you set a rule. You tell me what to do, and I'll do it! I'll naturally agree to the reasonable parts, and I'll also find a way to make the unreasonable parts reasonable!"

His implication was crystal clear—no matter what decision Lu Lin made, he would use religious and political means to legitimize it, and even if the responsibility were investigated later, he would take the blame.

Lu Lin finally spoke, looking at Taimiye: "I didn't actually intend to kill him, but if someone can get away with such a mistake, how low will the cost of making mistakes be in the future? This one time almost caused the Allied forces' defenses to collapse, and even affected the offensive in Galilee. What if someone makes the same mistake again? Are we just going to send them back the way they came?"

I must tell everyone that in this alliance, no one can gamble their future with the outcome of the war and the lives of countless soldiers! And no one can escape the consequences after nearly causing us to lose the entire war!

Tammy nodded: "I understand."

Just then, Fahd rushed in, his face grim: "Commander! Chief of Staff! We just finished counting the newly arrived supplies, and there's a problem with that batch!"

"what is the problem?"

"The weapons in the crates have been switched," Fahd said, his face ashen. "They sent us outdated M40 106mm recoilless rifles! And the quantity doesn't even match!"

The fact that the supplies were delivered proves that they weren't "robbed" by the Zionians.

The only remaining possibility is being "robbed" by one's own people.

"These damned parasites! Beasts!"

Ibrahim gritted his teeth in hatred. As the chief of staff, he reviewed the list of soldiers killed on the front lines every day, and this incident had seriously crossed his bottom line: "We are fighting tooth and nail on the front lines, and these bastards are still doing these disgusting things behind the scenes!"

Taimi keenly noticed that the temperature around Lu Lin seemed to drop suddenly the moment he heard the news.

He had never seen the commander so enraged; it was a chilling, almost tangible killing intent.

But soon, that terrifying aura vanished, as if it had never existed.

Lu Lin stood up.

His calm gaze swept over Ibrahim and Tamiyah, and he spoke in a cold but calm voice:
"I want to do both of these things together."

(End of this chapter)