Chapter 1785 - 1370: Reaching an Agreement (Part 2)

If in the army, Duke thinks he would definitely have to draw in this guy before him.

A future full of potential!

Song Heping continued to intensify his approach, lowering his voice slightly:

"Moreover, General, don't you think now is an excellent tactical window? Russia's strong military involvement in Siria, especially in the Aleppo area, has attracted a significant portion of the 1515 elite troops and command resources to shift westward. They are also under great pressure in Raqqa and Deir Ezzor. Though their garrison in Tikrit within Illiguo is robust in fortifications, their manpower, morale, and external support are relatively low."

"If we focus our strength to swiftly resolve Tikrit, we can significantly weaken their entire defensive system in Northern Illigo, creating excellent conditions for the next step to resolve Ozham. This aligns with the overall strategy of the international anti-1515 coalition and fits your White House's counterterrorism strategy. Our interests overlap, don't they?"

Duke's gaze shifted to the large screen map on the wall, pausing momentarily on the red dot representing Tikrit.

Song Heping knew he was weighing his options.

For the current Obama government in the United States, combating 1515 is an important diplomatic and national security agenda item. They hope to achieve a significant victory before the end of the term to bolster the Democratic Party's election prospects.

However, the US is also wary of the lessons learned from the Middle Eastern quagmire and hesitant to send large-scale ground forces.

Therefore, they rely on local allies (Kurd people, Iliko Government Army) and regional partners, including complex background "collaborators" like Song Heping, providing air support, intelligence, and advisors to achieve the goal of cleaning up 1515 armed forces.

At the same time, the United States remains cautious of Persian influence expanding in Illigo, concerned that over-weakening 1515 might "benefit others."

So, Americans are quite conflicted internally.

"What type of support do you need from the US Army for your plan?"

After weighing it up, Duke finally spoke.

Song Heping immediately listed his requirements clearly:

"Firstly, and most importantly, all-weather, high-intensity close air support (CAS) and battlefield air interdiction (BAI), covering the entire campaign cycle, with key areas focusing on urban assault and the western desert. We need 'Grim Reaper' and 'Predator' drones to provide continuous 24-hour ISR (intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance). Once the 1515 troops are found assembling, vehicles moving, or attempting to flee westward in groups, immediately call in tactical aircraft or the drones themselves armed with 'Hellfire' missiles for strikes. Air support response time must be short enough, preferably within 15 minutes."

"Secondly, comprehensive intelligence sharing. I know the CIA and DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency) have quite deep human and signal intelligence networks around Tikrit and nearby. We need real-time or near-real-time intelligence, including but not limited to the precise locations of the 1515 command hubs; main ammunition depots, vehicle distribution locations; movements of senior commanders and possible hiding places; and their defensive deployment adjustments. This greatly improves our strike efficiency and reduces civilian casualties."

Song Heping stopped talking to observe Duke's reaction.

He had said plenty, giving Duke time to digest it.

Duke listened without immediately responding.

He stood up again, walked over to the large screen map, facing away from Song Heping, seemingly staring at the point representing Tikrit, yet perhaps contemplating the larger strategic game.

The office fell into silence.

After a full minute, Duke finally turned back.

"Song, I have two questions."

He returned to sit across from Song Heping, focusing his gaze on the latter's face, staring intently for a few seconds.

"The first question is about the Persians. What role will the Holy City Brigade, currently stationed in Illigo Bayji under Naxin, and his backer Avanti, play in this operation? Will they follow coordination from your 'Joint Command Headquarters,' or directly follow orders from Tehran, or even Damascus? If their actions go beyond our 'rules of engagement,' or attempt to seize political and military control post-war, how should we respond? You know, we're not on good terms with them."

This question touches the most sensitive geopolitical nerve.

America's new and old enmity with Persia and all those old grudges are public knowledge.

Song Heping cautiously replied: "Commander Naxin has formally agreed to participate in the operation and has promised that his coordinated troops will accept the unified operational coordination from the Joint Command Headquarters. General, we must face the reality of Illigo today. Without the participation of the numerous, geographically familiar, battle-experienced Shiite militias, any large-scale ground offensive will struggle to succeed. The main forces to liberate Titrick and Ozham will also be them."

"The key lies in establishing effective coordination mechanisms, clear rules of engagement, and post-war arrangements to incorporate them into the framework for constraint rather than pushing them away, forcing them to act independently, which would result in more unpredictable consequences. I believe a successful Tikrit liberation campaign, with involvement from all parties, if handled well, could become an example of building mutual trust and cooperation models, benefiting your future endeavors."

Duke, noncommittal, continued with the second question:

"The second question is about you personally, Song. You seem so eager, almost... gambling everything to push a campaign to be completed within a month. Is it really solely due to international counterterrorism pressure, a tactical window, or 'thinking of Illigo's future'? Or are there more... realistic reasons? Such as thoroughly firming up the positions of Samir and Abu You, your fostered agents in Northwest? Or demonstrating your value and irreplaceability by completing such a challenging campaign to certain parties, thereby securing greater... support or authorization?"