Flashpoints on the Iranian Border - Grand Central Times - May 12th, 2019

[Capt Hart]

FLASHPOINTS ON THE IRANIAN BORDER

Grand Central Times - Dateline May 12th 2019

 

USMC Forces On the Iranian Side of the Border (Photo Credit: Baahir al-Beshara)

 

 

Tensions between Iraq and Iran are at an all-time high this week following a series of confirmed cross-border flashpoints between the two nations. After U.S. President Moore announced in April that U.S. forces were responsible for a retaliatory strike on the Iranian coastline and that the U.S. Government was committed to supporting their Iraqi allies in the face of an "Ever encroaching Iran," there have been a number of unconfirmed reports of shots fired along the Iraq-Iran border. Following the recent confirmation from the Pentagon that the United States is deploying at least four military divisions to the border, reports of these flashpoints have only increased.

 

The worst of these flashpoints reportedly involved Iranian troops crossing the border to assault a joint U.S. - Iraqi held roadblock followed by a retaliatory strike from U.S. troops onto the Iranian side. Despite clearly violent actions from both sides and increasing tensions along the border no further statements have been released from the Iranian Government, the Iraqi Government, or the United States Government. All parties involved seem content to continue posturing along the border.

 

One can assume that one or both sides are waiting for something or are simply unwilling to commit to what would inevitably be a costly war for both sides. Whether the U.S.-Iraqi strategy is to attempt to force a diplomatic solution based on military bluffing or if they plan on committing to an actual invasion remains to be seen. Military experts say that four divisions of troops is believed to be the bare minimum force requirement for a U.S. assisted Iraqi invasion of Iran but that even that large a number could still result in failure.

 

At the end of the day the question remains, what are both sides waiting for and why? Are we about to see another major conflict in the middle east alongside the rapidly degrading situation in Afghanistan and an only recently stabilized Iraq? If such a conflict is inevitable will Saudi Arabia choose get involved given their continued semi-conflicts with Iran over the last ten years? Regardless, Iranian citizens seem opposed to the prospective conflict whereas Iraqi citizens seem to view this as necessary for their security. The world watches and waits as the Middle East stands at the brink of an abyss of sheer chaos. We will keep you updated as the situation progresses. Keep your eyes on the news.

 

 

Alan White - Grand Central Times
*This news report is a fictional work created to support the 3d MRB ARMA gameplay