Original U.S. and Coalition Psychological Operations Leaflet V26, Colour Printing, Operation Desert Storm, Iraq, 1991

Original double-sided U.S. and coalition psychological operations safe conduct leaflet produced during Operation Desert Storm. Printed in Arabic, the leaflet encourages Iraqi soldiers to surrender by contrasting humane treatment by coalition forces with continued service under Saddam Hussein.

This is the full-colour printing of the V26 design. No serial is printed on this copy; the black-and-white printing of the same design, marked V26, is listed separately. Until September 2026 this copy was catalogued as a "V28 variant".

Leaflet Number: V26 (colour printing)
Operation: Operation Desert Storm
Conflict / War: Gulf War
Year: 1991
Country / Theater: Iraq / Kuwait
Language(s): Arabic
Format: Original printed leaflet, double-sided, colour
Provenance: Airdropped leaflet acquired from the family of a U.S. military commander.

Translation:
Back: “Protection Card. Under the guarantee of the Joint Forces Command, the bearer of this card will receive protection from the Joint Forces, with full reliance on Arab brotherhood and Islam, medical care, and return to his family safe from Saddam’s regime. Iraqi soldier, this invitation is open to you. Do not let fear prevent you from accepting this opportunity. Commander, Joint Forces Theater of Operations.”

Imagery:
The front is divided into two illustrated scenes. On the left, a coalition soldier gestures welcome to three seated Iraqi soldiers eating fruit and drinking tea beside a green tent and Saudi flag. On the right, an Iraqi soldier holds up the pass to a coalition soldier. The reverse is designed as an official pass, overprinted with the Joint Forces emblem.

Objective:
To encourage Iraqi soldiers to surrender by presenting coalition forces as disciplined, humane, and prepared to offer protection, food, medical care, and safe return. The leaflet uses the language of Arab brotherhood and Islam to reduce fear of surrender and counter Iraqi regime claims about coalition mistreatment.

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.