Finally, the light spot returned to the Elbil region:
"The internal forces of the Kurds, including the Talabani, Haraf, and Othman families, have all learned about the coup, but none have made a statement. They probably don't know whether Old Masud is still alive, or if Little Masoud is still well. These old foxes are watching, waiting for the balance of victory to tilt, or waiting for a stake worth betting on."
Song Heping approached the sand table, placing his hands on the edge, his gaze sweeping over every terrain marker and troop symbol, his mind quickly integrating information and assessing the weight and cost of each possibility.
"Is Tor Khan really one of yours?" he asked.
"Yes, he was the first to inform me of the coup, and now Tor Khan controls the media transmission towers and signal sources."
Cook pointed to a blueprint of the Elbil TV Tower on the screen, "If we can reach him and broadcast through him to all of Kurdistan the news and images that Old Masoud is still alive and undergoing treatment, the lies of Barzani and Rashid about 'the leader's demise and lawful takeover' will instantly fall apart. This would be enough to sway the neutrals and might even tear the coup group apart from within."
Song Heping said, "Then why don't you contact him directly and have him release the news?"
Cook shook his head, "It's not that simple. Tor Khan isn't a firm-minded person. Without direct orders from Masoud himself, this guy doesn't have the guts to stand up against Rashid and Barzani. To get him to willingly take the risk, we need to send someone to persuade him in person."
Song Heping glanced at Cook, "From your tone, you want me to go personally?"
"Only you can undertake this task."
Cook's gaze fell on Song Heping's face, "In the Northwest, no one has more authority than you, not even me, I'm afraid."
"Don't dress me up with compliments, don't you have an office there? Just send someone over to find him." Song Heping sneered.
"You are the best candidate." Cook shook his head and said, "You have rich unconventional combat experience, and… your official background is vague. In the event of failure, Washington has enough deniability."
Typical realpolitik logic.
Song Heping was long accustomed to it.
"I can perform the task." His tone unchanged, "But I need full cooperation. Barzani's current primary strategic objective must be the Abu You Brigade in Kirkuk; he must eliminate this largest organized threat to deter all sides and stabilize the regime. Once the Abu You Brigade is defeated, all observers might flow to the stronger side."
Cook nodded, "Agreed on the assessment. How long do you think Abu You can hold out alone?"
"Without external support, I estimate seven days." Song Heping tapped his fingers on the location of Kirkuk, "But with support, it could last much longer, and there might not be defeat."
"What do you plan to do?" Cook asked.
"Create multiple pressures." Song Heping took the laser pointer and drew three arrows around Kirkuk, "I will have Samir command the Liberation Forces to perform tactical feints from the northwest, making an attempt to cut off the Elbil-Kirkuk main road. Simultaneously, the hired 'Musician' battalion will conduct harassment operations in the southeastern hill areas, targeting the coup forces' logistics supply lines and reconnaissance units specifically."
Cook stared at the sand table, weighing the risks, "However, mobilizing these two forces to support the direction of the Abu You Brigade in Kirkuk will inevitably weaken your regular defense forces in Mosul, Hulmatu, and Bayji. The 1515 Armed will not miss this window period."
"So we need someone to temporarily hold the northern line for us." Song Heping continued.
"Who? The government army? They can't even maintain law and order in their own capital right now."
"The Persian Holy City Brigade."
The term instantly froze the air in the command center.
Cook slowly turned around, staring closely at Song Heping, his face turning grim.
"Do you know what you're saying?"
"Very clearly."
Song Heping met his gaze, speaking nonchalantly, "I know you are sensitive to the Persians, but the Persian Holy City Brigade has at least two reinforced brigades' combat forces deployed on the western borders of Illiguo. Their vanguard is less than a hundred kilometers from the outskirts of Mosul. They are the most suitable candidates, otherwise, you could try sending someone over?"
"You're opening Pandora's Box!"
Cook's voice lowered, "Letting the elite of the Persian Revolutionary Guard enter the Northwest? The Pentagon and Congress Hill will explode!"
"They've long been in Bayji, haven't you known?" Song Heping mocked, "Stop pretending to be oblivious, don't delude yourselves."
Cook fell silent.
He knew that Song Heping's words were very realistic.
The US Army in Illiguo, aside from some Special Forces, logistics units, and some Air Force, barely has ground troops left.
If not relying on Song Heping and the Persians, there's no way to pacify the 1515 Armed.
This was also the most basic reason for initially looking to cooperate with Song Heping.
"I need authorization from the highest level." He finally said.
"We don't have time to wait for authorization."
Song Heping glanced at his watch, "Barzani's vanguard may have already set off. Every hour of delay adds more danger to Abu You and gives neutrals more reasons to side with the coup faction."
Cook sighed.
As a soldier, he loathed bringing geopolitical scheming into military operations; but in his position, he must weigh the far-reaching impact of every decision.
Song Heping's plan carries extremely high risks.
Though there had been a certain number of Holy City Brigade soldiers entering Bayji before.