Military Lessons from the Iraq War

What do you think are the militay lessons from the Iraq War - particularly for Pakistan both in a potential war with India or some other country? This war has shattered quite a few myths and created new precedents.

Some thoughts:

1. The unique combination of conventional warfare and guerrilla warfare have come to light.

2. Use of both conventional forces (military) and unconventional forces (non-military).

3. The role of ATGMs has appeared to be extremely significant. ATGMs in capable hands and in effective strategy can be devastating for an attacking armoured column.

4. The lack of shoulder-fired SAM capability of the Iraqis has been accutely felt. This was has demonstrated the vulnerability of attack helicopters to even light fire. Had the Iraqis had shoulder-fired SAMs in large numbers, I believe they could have neutralized the US Appache threat. I believe no matter how advanced an attack helicopter is, once it comes into the effective range of a shoulder-fired SAM, it is almost defenceless.

5. Concealment is also a major factor. By concealing your fighting force, you can create many problems for the enemy.

6. Airpower of course is the deciding factor - if Iraq had a modern and effective air force, it could have destroyed the US armoured attack and prevented the US from giving air support to its infantry and armoured units. Additionally, it could have neutralized the B-52 threat.

I hope the Pakistani warplanners are watching this war very closely and making the necessary changes in their own war strategy. After this war, I believe India will be further deterred from attacking Pakistan. If sanction-ridden Iraq can put up such a resistance to the world superpower, Pakistan can put up a better show against India
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Assalam Alaikum,

Well, Ms. Khan your analysis are well taken. I think Iraqis themselves realized their weakness of not able to counter attack the American Air power, so they let them roll into their territory instead of facing them in a conventional war. So they can defend their country from Americans in guerilla war, and also eradicate pro american elements within their own.

I believe it was the strategy from day one, to make Iraq next Vietnam, and they are very well on their way to achieve that target. the death toll of Americans have just reached 2000.

Thanks.