Dimitri’s Reviews > The Iran-Iraq War: A Military and Strategic History > Status Update
Dimitri
is on page 131 of 412
By January 1981, Saddam's forces had occupied Iranian territory along approx half the 735 mile border, coming to rest in random positions, without tactical benefits for either defense or attack or even the approaching winter weather.
— Mar 23, 2026 05:18AM
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Dimitri’s Previous Updates
Dimitri
is on page 61 of 412
While advanced battlefield technology helped to stiffen the spine [of a doubled army equipped with the best of Soviet armour and aircraft between 1973-1980] the traditional interpersonal methods of ruthless discipline carried the day, atuned to the fear which held most of Iraqi society together.
— Mar 22, 2026 03:26PM
Dimitri
is on page 7 of 412
Iraq's defanged military in the 1980s was as effective as Saddam wanted it to be, but not as effective as he needed it to be.
Point it into the general direction. By toughness (or ruthlessness) it will destroy both the external as well as the internal enemies of his regime. Cultural myths and political oratory don't work well against an opponent 3 times your size who has a deeper faith in martyrdom.
— Mar 22, 2026 01:51PM
Point it into the general direction. By toughness (or ruthlessness) it will destroy both the external as well as the internal enemies of his regime. Cultural myths and political oratory don't work well against an opponent 3 times your size who has a deeper faith in martyrdom.
