HOW CAN THE UNITED STATE HELP IRAQ?

• Document Type: FOIA
• Collection: FOIA Collection
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 0001416386
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: U
• Document Page Count: 2
• Document Creation Date: June 22, 2015
• Document Release Date: August 26, 2008
• Case Number: F-1999-00204
• Publication Date: July 22, 1986

APPROVED FOR RELEASED
DATE: 07-14-2008
Talking Points for the DDI
How Can the United States Help Iraq?
. 22 July 1986
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The United States can do little militarily--short of direct combat
intervention--that would improve Iraq's military'position against Iran.
Increased US political and economic support would strengthen Baghdad
temporarily but would not overcome Iraq's main weakness--Saddam Husayn's
mishandling of the war. Even a change of leaders would not necessarily
improve the situation because Saddam's successors are likely to continue
the same policies in the near term.
Baghdad's meddling in military matters and its unwillingness to use
its forces effectively undermine Iraq's overwhelming superiority in
firepower and equipment.
-- Iraq has no shortage of modern military equipment and has the
largest army in the Arab world. Baghdad's fear of casualties and
equipment losses hinders Iraq's use of-such forces--especially its
air force.
-- Baghdad has never allowed Soviet advisors among combat units and
is unlikely to allow US advisors in Iraq. Iraq has competent
commanders, but they are prevented from fighting effectively.
Increased US political support would improve Iraqi morale only
temporarily. Strong US pressure on countries to limit. or reduce their
political and economic support for Iran would be needed to offset the
growing view that Iran will win the war.
-- Direct US expressions of support and pressure on Arab countries to
maintain or increase their political and economic aid would shore
up flagging Iraqi civilian morale. Without an improvement in the
military situation, however, civilian support for the regime and
the war will continue to erode.
in its enc recy.
33
 -- Pressure from Arab leaders--President Hubarak and-King Husayn of
Jordan--might persuade Baghdad to alter its battlefield tactics.
-- Maintaining the arms embargo against Iran remains crucial in
limiting Tehran's military capabilities-against Iraq. A weakened
embargo may give Iran just-enough ammunition or new artillery to
launch an offensive that would cause Iraq's defenses to crumble.
US economic support would help reduce current Iraqi economic
difficulties that are likely to add considerably to a decline in Iraqi
morale.
-- US approval of Exim Bank financing would encourage other countries
to provide Baghdad with additional credit to buy imports.
-- Additional purchases by US firms of Iraqi oil would slightly
improve Baghdad's foreign exchange situation.
IRAQ-IRAN MILITARY FORCES
Iraq
Iran
Ground Forces
Manpower
800,000
800,000
to-1,000,000
Armored-Vehicles
7,000
500-600
Artillery
Operational
2,400
900
Combat Aircraft
550
50