Strategy & Tactics #339: Saddam Moves South – What If? is an operational-level, two-player wargame exploring a compelling alternate history scenario: what if Saddam Hussein’s Iraq had invaded Saudi Arabia in 1990? Building on the aftermath of Iraq’s occupation of Kuwait, this simulation challenges players to command either the Iraqi war machine driving toward the oil-rich heart of Arabia or the rapidly forming US-led Coalition determined to halt and reverse the invasion.

• Historical Background: In August 1990, Iraqi forces stormed into Kuwait, shocking the world. In reality, Saddam stopped short of Saudi Arabia—but what if he hadn’t? Saddam Moves South imagines this bold escalation: the Iraqi army, emboldened by quick victories, pushes deeper into the Arabian Peninsula to seize the critical Saudi oilfields and threaten Western energy lifelines. The United States and its allies respond with an urgent military buildup, sparking a massive modern conflict across the deserts of the Gulf. This hypothetical campaign examines the strategic and logistical challenges both sides would have faced had the war expanded dramatically.
• Gameplay & Objectives: One player leads the Iraqi forces, commanding divisions, Republican Guard units, and irregular formations attempting to drive south and hold newly conquered territory. The opposing player commands the Coalition forces—a mix of US, Saudi, and Allied troops—organising a rapid response to stop the Iraqi advance and recapture vital objectives. Players must manage air superiority, logistics, and operational tempo to succeed in this desert war of mobility and attrition.
• Game System & Scale: The design is based on the proven Desert One War system, which integrates ground, air, and amphibious operations into a unified simulation. Each hex represents 35 kilometres, and each turn covers 3 to 10 days of real time, depending on the intensity of the fighting. Units represent regiments, brigades, divisions, and irregular forces, while aircraft counters cover squadrons of 1 to 4 depending on quality and tempo. The Coalition player must manage Air Transport Points (ATP) to represent strategic airlift capacity—a key mechanic determining how quickly reinforcements and supplies reach the front.
• Strategic Challenges: The Iraqi player faces the challenge of sustaining offensive momentum while avoiding overextension in hostile terrain. The Coalition player must balance rapid deployment, air dominance, and combined arms coordination under political and logistical constraints. Each decision—whether to strike deep or consolidate—can alter the course of this hypothetical Gulf War.

Game Components:

• 1 x 22” x 34” full-colour map of Kuwait, eastern Saudi Arabia, and the Persian Gulf region
• Die-cut counters representing Iraqi, Coalition, and irregular units
• Rulebook featuring ground, air, and amphibious operations
• Scenario setups, player aids, and alternate “What If” options

Scale:
Players: 2
Level: Operational
Hex: 35 Kilometres
Turn: 3–10 Days
Units: Regiments, Brigades, Divisions, Air Squadrons, and SOF Units

Gameplay Focus: Saddam Moves South – What If? combines modern mechanised warfare with airpower, logistics, and asymmetric tactics, offering a fast-paced yet realistic simulation of 1990s-era combat. Both players must adapt to rapidly changing conditions in the harsh desert theatre where supply lines, mobility, and initiative are vital.

Strategy & Tactics #339: Saddam Moves South – What If? is an essential title for fans of modern military history, Cold War-era scenarios, and operational-level wargames.

Available now from Milsims Games — Australia’s trusted source for military simulations and historical wargames for over 50 years. Price-match guarantee and fast local shipping from Mont Albert, VIC.

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