Modern War #6: Decision – Iraq is a two-player strategic wargame designed by Joseph Miranda that recreates the complex and volatile insurgency that followed the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. Focusing on the years after the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime, this game captures the struggle between Coalition counterinsurgency efforts and a growing network of insurgents, foreign fighters, and extremist factions seeking to destabilize the new Iraqi government.

• Historical Background: After the swift US victory in March 2003, Iraq quickly spiralled into chaos as sectarian militias, Al Qaeda-linked groups, and foreign-backed insurgents waged war against Coalition forces and one another. The ensuing years saw urban combat, political upheaval, and shifting alliances as US and allied forces fought to stabilize the country and support a fledgling democratic government. Decision – Iraq brings this turbulent period to the tabletop, allowing players to explore both the strategic and human dimensions of modern counterinsurgency warfare.
• Gameplay & Objectives: Players take on opposing roles in this asymmetric conflict:
  • The Counterinsurgents represent US-led Coalition forces and Iraqi Government troops. Their objective is to restore national stability, secure key regions, and eliminate insurgent networks while maintaining political legitimacy and avoiding overextension.
  • The Insurgents represent a coalition of rebels, foreign fighters, and extremist cells — including Al Qaeda elements and Iranian-backed factions — striving to seize control of Iraq through ambushes, propaganda, and attrition tactics.
  Victory is achieved through territorial control, military success, and influence over the Iraqi population, creating a tense struggle where both military and political strategies matter.
• Game System & Scale: The game’s mechanics reflect the fluid, decentralized nature of 21st-century warfare, where experience and morale can shift rapidly:
  • Units can gain or lose effectiveness through combat, simulating learning curves, demoralization, and adaptation.
  • Players command a mix of conventional forces, insurgent cells, and special operations units.
  • Each turn involves strategic movement, area control, combat resolution, and the use of political and military assets to influence outcomes.
• Strategic Features:
  • Simulates the full insurgency and counterinsurgency cycle in post-2003 Iraq.
  • Balance military power with political legitimacy and public support.
  • Command Coalition and Iraqi units or control insurgent factions and foreign fighters.
  • Model the evolving dynamics of urban warfare, tribal politics, and sectarian conflict.
  • Dynamic unit experience system introduces realism and replayability.

Game Components:

• 1 x 22” x 34” full-colour map depicting Iraq’s strategic regions and urban centres
• 228 die-cut counters representing Coalition, Iraqi, insurgent, and foreign elements
• Comprehensive rulebook covering asymmetric combat, morale, and experience systems
• Player aids and scenario setup sheets for organized play

Scale:
Players: 2
Level: Operational / Strategic
Map: 22” x 34” full-colour game map
Counters: 228 pieces representing military and irregular units

Gameplay Focus: Decision – Iraq provides a tense, realistic simulation of modern insurgency and counterinsurgency operations. It highlights the complexity of nation-building, asymmetric warfare, and the human cost of modern conflict. Every decision impacts stability, control, and the long-term fate of Iraq.

Modern War #6: Decision – Iraq is ideal for players interested in modern warfare, counterinsurgency strategy, and geopolitical simulations.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s leading source for modern and historical wargames. Includes price-match guarantee and fast domestic shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

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