Babylonian Empire

Page 673

Rifat knows that for now, the most important thing is not only military struggle, but also international support.

"Report, a message from the Saudi side." A deputy came in and said.

Saudi?Rifaat was very happy and said, "The Saudi side should support us, right?"

Rifaat is very confident in Saudi Arabia. Here in the Middle East, personal feelings can sometimes play a very good role, and Rifaat has a very good relationship with Saudi Arabia, especially with the Saudi crown prince. Generally, they are relatives!

"The Saudi side is very dissatisfied with our actions, and hopes that we can lay down our weapons, and they can guarantee that we will go to Saudi Arabia for political asylum without personal harm."

"What?" Rifaat raised his voice: "Absolutely impossible, absolutely impossible!" He grabbed the document, which was the announcement issued by Saudi Arabia at six o'clock this morning.

Saudi Arabia believes that Rifaat instigated the Fourth Armored Division to carry out a rebellion, which seriously endangered the stability of the Middle East. It hopes that Rifaat can lay down his arms and resolve the rebellion peacefully.

Saudi Arabia supports Iraqi military operations. In order to maintain the stability of the Syrian order and realize the normal transfer of power in Syria, Iraqi military forces are needed to balance the domestic situation in Syria.

Saudi Arabia's statement made Rifaat feel betrayed. How could Saudi Arabia make such a decision?Don't they know that Iraq should be condemned by all Arab countries for its blatant interference in Syria's internal affairs?Relying on its strong military strength, Iraq can do whatever it wants on the land of the Middle East. Could it be that Saudi Arabia has not seen that one day, Iraqi soldiers will also press down on the border, threatening Saudi Arabia to agree to certain demands?

King Fahd is so wise, doesn't he know that a strong Syria is also good for checking and balancing Iraq?

"Iraq issued a statement," the deputy went on.

Rifaat suddenly felt an ominous feeling in his heart. He picked up the statement, and the content on it made him feel a little scared.

Bashar al-Assad, the second son of President Hafiz-Assad of Syria, has returned to the Middle East and is now in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, having cordial exchanges with President Qusay. After the talks, Iraq will send someone to protect Bashar Your Excellency, return to Syria, ready to inherit President Hafez's last wish, lead the Syrian people, and strive to realize a rich and powerful Syrian country!

The matter in London is absolutely inseparable from Iraq. I never expected that Iraq would move so quickly to bring Bashar to the Middle East so quickly.

With Bashar around, Rifat's advantage is not so obvious.

According to the Syrian Constitution adopted by a national referendum on March 1973, 3, the Syrian President is stipulated as the head of state and the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.Executive power is exercised by the President and the Council of Ministers, and the People's Assembly proposes a presidential candidate based on the proposal of the Arab Ba'ath Party's Syrian regional leadership. Then, the president is elected by a secret popular vote.The presidential term is seven years.

However, no one really takes this constitution seriously. The referendum is still a secret. This situation can only be a trick to deceive children.

For example, who will be the next president is not determined by the popular vote at all. It is decided by the current president. President Hafiz is trying to train his eldest son Bazil to be the successor. Which uninformed voter will not agree?Even if a negative vote is cast, it is absolutely invalid.

In a country like the Middle East, the most important thing is to take power firmly. With the support of Iraq, it will be easy for Bashar to take over the power in Syria. This is what Rifaat absolutely does not want to see.

"The fate of the Syrian people should be decided by themselves. Iraq's deliberate interference in Syria's internal affairs is an act of aggression. According to the Syrian constitution, when the president's physical condition is no longer able to support government affairs, the vice president can temporarily take over all powers. The resumption of the general election, therefore, Vice President Rifat’s doing this is completely in line with the regulations. Now, Air Force Commander Manaf is colluding with foreign forces to cause rebellion in the country. They are the enemies of Syria! Rifaat The president will definitely lead the Syrian army to eliminate the domestic rebellion, and at the same time, express the utmost protest against Iraq's barbaric interference in Syria's domestic political situation! We will submit it to the UN Security Council, hoping that Iraq can respect Syria's sovereignty and immediately withdraw its troops. "Rifa While thinking, Te said slowly, now is the time for the legal government of Syria, that is, the government led by Rifat to express its position.

It is absolutely impossible for Iraq to withdraw its troops if there is a protest. Rifaat knows that if he wants to succeed now, all he needs is to delay time. He needs to reach an agreement with the Soviet Union and use the support of the Soviet Union to give Iraq exerts pressure.Syria was originally pro-Soviet, and this was his greatest reliance.

At the same time, if he has gained time, he can also let the [-]th Armored Division construct various fortifications in the city. Now, Damascus is occupied by him. If the Iraqi army invades, then they can use street fighting to cause great casualties to the opponent. At the same time, the casualties of civilians in Damascus will also make them hate the Iraqi troops who came. This is killing two birds with one stone. Rifaat knows Qusay’s tactics. A lot of casualties made them retreat.

As long as there is war in Damascus, the situation in the international community will definitely be unfavorable to Iraq. This is a civil war in Syria. Iraq has become the leader of the Arab world. If it comes here to "maintain peace", the Western world will definitely be dissatisfied with them .

Rifaat's many years of military and political experience made him immediately think of a solution. Now, although the Iraqi army is approaching the city, he still has not failed, and he still has great confidence!

The changes in Syria in recent days, it can be said, have made the whole world unable to keep up with the rhythm.

The first to respond was the United States.

After the major conflict between Iraq and Israel last year, Israel began to increase its lobbying power in the United States to change President Reagan's attitude towards Iraq. At first, the effect was good, but then Iraq didn't know that it was pumped. What kind of ribs actually agreed to the United States' proposal to increase production and reduce oil prices. This kind of self-defeating practice has puzzled the world's most business-oriented Jews. Is it really just to get angry with the United Kingdom?However, in the end, the United Kingdom compromised, and the United Kingdom interrupted its military cooperation with Israel.

Without Britain, Israel and the United States, the assistance provided by the United States is still very large, and the Israeli Air Force is slowly regaining its strength.However, Israel's original ground troops did not suffer much loss, except for the loss of the Golan Heights.

Now, Iraq dares to send troops to Syria. This kind of interference in the internal affairs of other countries is very embarrassing to Israel. The Jewish forces in the United States will naturally lobby the US government to condemn this behavior of Iraq.

However, after an emergency meeting with his think tank, President Reagan believed that this was a good opportunity for the West to get closer to Syria. Rifaat is different from Hafiz. Since losing power, Rifat has been visiting Western Europe. If we foster forces close to the West, the United States will have greater power in the Middle East. Moreover, Syria has always been pro-Soviet. If the future policy changes Being pro-American is undoubtedly a heavy blow to the Soviet Union.

From another point of view, Bashar was obviously supported by Qusay. Then, Syria, which was originally at odds with Iraq, may become a quasi-ally with Syria. This is very detrimental to the US strategy. of.

In particular, Iraq originally agreed to increase crude oil production, but now it has begun to cut production again. It is time to put some pressure on Iraq. This pressure cannot be directly imposed on Iraq, but on Syria. It is also a good choice.

Rifat did not expect that the United States would actually support his coup, while the other Soviet Union, which he was more confident in, disappointed him.

Syria is a quasi-ally of the Soviet Union. No matter whether Rifat or Bashar comes to power, this relationship will not change. Bashar is supported by Iraq. Iraq and the Soviet Union are now developing a good relationship in all aspects. Especially at the urging of Gorbachev, Iraq ended its move to increase crude oil production, and world oil prices began to rise. At this time, it is very unwise to conflict with Iraq.

Gorbachev has become the top leader of the Soviet Union. In his opinion, the most important thing is to restore the economy. Whether it is oil exports or arms exports, they are a valuable source of foreign exchange for the Soviet Union. Gorbachev wants to reform , Then, you must have funds in your hand. What Gorbachev values ​​most is the friendly relationship with Iraq.

And the surrounding Arab countries, led by Saudi Arabia, all support Iraq, and what Iraq is doing is a just cause!In addition to Ku Sai's first consultation with King Fahd, Bashar is also a sign.

Chapter 800 Catch the thief first and catch the king first

The muzzle of the T-72 tank has been pointing at the urban area a few kilometers away. As long as they have an order, they can rush in at any time and liberate Damascus!

However, watching the sun slowly turn to the south, it was already noon, but the order still had not been issued.

In order to avoid running out of fuel while waiting, except for a few vigilant tanks and armored vehicles whose engines are still idling, the rest of the vehicles have been turned off.

"What the hell does this mean? Let us rush to Damascus in half the night, and don't let us attack, what are you waiting for!" A company commander of a tank company complained.

"I heard that the First Armored Division is coming from Mosul. Does President Qusay want the First Armored Division to arrive before launching an attack?" said another deputy company commander.

"How can that be! We arrived first, why should we wait for them to attack? We are enough." The company commander was even more dissatisfied. Although the First Armored Division is the Republican Guard, it is a direct line of troops, but they No.60 Armored Division is also a well-known force.

In the Iraqi army, the competition among each other is also very fierce. If the No.60 armored division did not make a contribution in the battle in Khuzestan Province, it would definitely not become the first T-72 in the ordinary army. The tank troops, 1000-horsepower engines, 125mm caliber guns, and the latest ammunition have made this army a force that absolutely dares to fight tough battles, undertake the most difficult tasks, and will win.

Therefore, they want to gather their energy, rush into Damascus, resolve the battle, and write another brilliant stroke in the record of their armored division.

However, the order has not been issued, so they have been waiting like this.

"If we wait any longer, there will be great pressure from outside. Just half an hour ago, the US ambassador to Baghdad protested to us, claiming that our action is a serious violation of international conventions. We can withdraw our troops as soon as possible," Foreign Minister Tariq said.

The Americans, this time, are really strong. They put pressure on themselves so quickly. Two hours ago, they issued a statement, supporting the Syrian people to solve the problem of Syria. Rifaat has occupied Damascus. Then Didn't you clearly support Rifat?Now, it's time to use international conventions to pressure yourself again. What's the matter with the United States?This is the Arab world!

However, Qusay also knows that the United States has not dealt with it harshly, nor has it suppressed itself with a ban on the sale of weapons, and the reason why the United States has done so is the influence of the Jews behind it. The Jews absolutely do not want to see a pro-Iraq Syria of the establishment.

The Jews still don't know that the relationship between Israel and the United States is about to show a big crack under their own promotion, so now, let's give them a little foreplay.

"Notify the United States that because our oil pipeline in Syria was blown up by the Israeli Kingfisher special forces, resulting in a reduction of 20 barrels of crude oil output per day, our crude oil export capacity has further declined, and international oil prices have risen, It has nothing to do with us, it was completely caused by the sabotage of Israel!" Qu Sai said: "At the same time, announce to the world the reason why our oil pipeline was damaged, and publish the photos of several Israelis captured by us , For this behavior of the Israelis, we express our strongest condemnation, and we reserve the right to use force to strike against this terrorist act against humanity in Israel."

Let the eyes of the whole world turn to Israel. They have done this kind of thing. Let's see what the US, the world police, will say!

As for the cause of death of the two important figures in Syria, Basil and Hafiz, it needs to be investigated and proved by Bashar after he seized power.

While resolving the Syrian issue with one hand, it also began to provoke conflicts between Israel and the United States with one hand. The United States will definitely not welcome what Israel has done this time.

"In terms of diplomacy, however, it is more important for us to break through Damascus militarily as soon as possible. Now, the rebels in Damascus are stepping up their street offensive. The longer it takes, the more disadvantageous it will be for us. In street fighting , we have to be prepared for casualties," Defense Minister Adnan said.

No matter how elite the army is, the casualties in street fighting are still very high. Adnan was a little puzzled. President Qusay had always been unwilling to fight in street fighting. This was the case in the battle in Abadan. Now, he wants to liberate In Damascus, street fighting is a must. Why did he start to retreat? He didn't know. Is it the most appropriate time to launch an attack?The longer it drags on, the greater their casualties will be.

It was already afternoon, and Adnan decided that it was time to mention it to the President.

"Yes, if we fight street fighting, we should do it as soon as possible, otherwise, our casualties will increase." Qusay said: "But it's not just our casualties, if we fight street fighting, civilians in Damascus, Casualties will also be heavy, Rifaat is actually trying to use the entire city as hostages, if we really attack, we may not liberate Damascus, but destroy Damascus."

After the street fighting is over, it will be in ruins. There is no doubt that Iraq is going to liberate Damascus. If Damascus becomes ruins, it will probably have a bad reputation internationally. Many countries, such as Israel The sè column definitely wants to make Iraq smell bad.

Therefore, Qusay has been thinking about how to avoid this kind of problem. Now that the Iraqi army has surrounded Damascus, they have already taken the lead. As long as they don't make mistakes, this operation can be successfully completed. , to achieve their own strategic goals.