James G
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Post by James G on Sept 16, 2019 19:29:31 GMT
In the midst of the Gulf War, right before the Iraqi attempt at a spoiling attack which became the Battle of Khafji, Saddam went to southern Iraq and met with his generals in Basra. The Coalition was bombing Iraq at this point. He gave the order for the go ahead to attack into Saudi Arabia and left the commander's conference to return to Baghdad.
On the way home there was an American air attack which struck military traffic nearby.
Let us say that a 'target of opportunity' pops up for a an American pilot. Saddam's convoy, if spotted, would have surely looked like a worthy target of attack. The attack goes ahead and he is a dead 'un. It isn't a pre-planned kill mission but a bit of luck.
Now what? For the war, Iraq and the Middle East.
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Sept 16, 2019 19:45:59 GMT
In the midst of the Gulf War, right before the Iraqi attempt at a spoiling attack which became the Battle of Khafji, Saddam went to southern Iraq and met with his generals in Basra. The Coalition was bombing Iraq at this point. He gave the order for the go ahead to attack into Saudi Arabia and left the commander's conference to return to Baghdad. On the way home there was an American air attack which struck military traffic nearby. Let us say that a 'target of opportunity' pops up for a an American pilot. Saddam's convoy, if spotted, would have surely looked like a worthy target of attack. The attack goes ahead and he is a dead 'un. It isn't a pre-planned kill mission but a bit of luck. Now what? For the war, Iraq and the Middle East. His sons would be to young to take over from him i presume. |
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James G
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Post by James G on Sept 16, 2019 20:02:02 GMT
In the midst of the Gulf War, right before the Iraqi attempt at a spoiling attack which became the Battle of Khafji, Saddam went to southern Iraq and met with his generals in Basra. The Coalition was bombing Iraq at this point. He gave the order for the go ahead to attack into Saudi Arabia and left the commander's conference to return to Baghdad. On the way home there was an American air attack which struck military traffic nearby. Let us say that a 'target of opportunity' pops up for a an American pilot. Saddam's convoy, if spotted, would have surely looked like a worthy target of attack. The attack goes ahead and he is a dead 'un. It isn't a pre-planned kill mission but a bit of luck. Now what? For the war, Iraq and the Middle East. His sons would be to young to take over from him i presume. Both were in their mid 20s. Conceivable one could take power, yes. I was thinking of how the world reacts to the US killing a head of state - even by accident - of a country it was at war with? Wasn't done with Hitler, Japan, North Korea, Vietnam, Grenada and Panama. |
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lordroel
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Post by lordroel on Sept 17, 2019 7:30:40 GMT
His sons would be to young to take over from him i presume. Both were in their mid 20s. Conceivable one could take power, yes. I was thinking of how the world reacts to the US killing a head of state - even by accident - of a country it was at war with? Wasn't done with Hitler, Japan, North Korea, Vietnam, Grenada and Panama. But all the wars you mentioned happened in the 1940s to 1980s period, I think by 1990 things had changed to the point that killing a enemy head of state would not be judge so much. |
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stevep
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Post by stevep on Sept 17, 2019 9:35:45 GMT
Both were in their mid 20s. Conceivable one could take power, yes. I was thinking of how the world reacts to the US killing a head of state - even by accident - of a country it was at war with? Wasn't done with Hitler, Japan, North Korea, Vietnam, Grenada and Panama. But all the wars you mentioned happened in the 1940s to 1980s period, I think by 1990 things had changed to the point that killing a enemy head of state would not be judge so much.
There would potentially still be concerns, including inside the US as it sets a dangerous prescedent, albeit its largely by accident - as I doubt the pilots involved would know exactly who they were hitting - and in a serious shooting war. There is the high probability that terrorist groups are likely to use it as an excuse to target heads of state themselves, albeit some have already done that.
However given the circumstances most people and states won't be greatly concerned about Saddam's death and many would probably have been relieved but a lot depends on what happens next? Probably a murderous power struggle in Iraq as to who 'inherits' and while his sons will be candidates they won't necessarily be the winners. Would the allies hold fire for the moment to see if the winner will negotiate or continue on into Kuwait?
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Post by EwellHolmes on Sept 20, 2019 21:23:51 GMT
The Baath regime collapses and a Pro-U.S. Democracy emerges.
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dayton3
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Post by dayton3 on Oct 9, 2019 0:06:41 GMT
His sons would be to young to take over from him i presume. Both were in their mid 20s. Conceivable one could take power, yes. I was thinking of how the world reacts to the US killing a head of state - even by accident - of a country it was at war with? Wasn't done with Hitler, Japan, North Korea, Vietnam, Grenada and Panama. Probably very little. A little known fact is how very little regard many in the world have for various "Arab leaders". Even the Arabs themselves. And the U.S. during World War Two did target and kill Admiral Yamamoto. That's pretty close to a head of state. |
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