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There is a 1972 book from Duke University Press by Walter Ansel titled "Hitler and the Middle Sea"which will give anyone the itch to "what if".

Hitler with Rommel had some real success in North Africa but he was focused on the East to such a degree that he was deaf to requests for more shipping and troops for the Panzerarmee Afrika. Reading very good book will make the war gamer want to test the efficacy of giving more to this theater.

Trying what If in a war game is a huge part of the pleasure.

### Caucasus / Middle East Front

The situation along the Caucasus and Middle East Front continues to escalate.

The Soviet **10th Army has now arrived on the Baghdad front**, joining the Soviet **16th and 13th Armies**, which have already taken up their defensive positions. Alongside them, the **Turkish 1st Army** is also firmly established. Three Soviet armies and our Turkish ally now stand ready for whatever comes next.

Stavka reported to Comrade Stalin that the British had sent a request for peace. However, almost simultaneously, British aircraft launched bombing attacks against our forces along the **Aegean coast**.

The news sent Stalin into one of his worst rages yet.

According to those present, Stalin slammed his fist onto the table and demanded that the **Middle East be drenched in British blood**. Any possibility of negotiations was immediately cast aside.

Stavka has therefore issued new orders to all forces on the **Caucasus/Middle East Front**:

**The war will continue.**

Soviet and Turkish forces are to remain on full alert. The armies around Baghdad will hold their defensive positions while preparations continue for the next phase of the campaign.

The British have chosen war.

**The Red Army will answer.**