Original U.S. Psychological Operations Leaflet, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq, 2003
Original double-sided U.S. psychological operations leaflet employing direct textual messaging and threat imagery to assign responsibility for destruction to Saddam Hussein while invoking fear of escalation.
Operation: Operation Iraqi Freedom
Conflict / War: Iraq War
Year: 2003
Country / Theater: Iraq
Language(s): Arabic
Format: Original printed leaflet, double-sided
Provenance: Acquired from the personal materials of an unnamed U.S. military servicemember.
Translation:
Front:
“Policy of Saddam Hussein:
Aggression toward neighboring countries
is the sole cause
of the destruction of Iraq.
Only military sites were targeted.
And the blame falls only on Saddam!”
Back:
“Warning! This is only the beginning!
Perhaps this could be a real bomb.
Do you wish to risk the lives of innocent people
and lead them down a path of destruction and certain death?
We want to inform you of the truth:
Saddam is the cause.
Yes, the Coalition Forces have the capability
to launch a devastating strike at any time and place.
Warning!”
Imagery:
The front presents stark, minimal typography emphasizing culpability, while the reverse features a bomb-shaped graphic enclosing the warning text, reinforcing the threat of imminent and escalating aerial strikes.
Objective:
To assign sole responsibility for the war and resulting destruction to Saddam Hussein, while amplifying fear of continued bombardment in order to pressure compliance, discourage resistance, and encourage separation from the regime.
Featured in American War Propaganda Leaflets, 1990–2022, Khajistan Press.
Exhibited in Khajistan: Office of War Information (O.W.I.) at Pioneer Works, New York, May 08 – Aug 09, 2026.
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