Original U.S. Psychological Operations Leaflet V53 Operation Desert Storm, Iraq, 1991
Original double-sided U.S. psychological operations leaflet produced during Operation Desert Storm. Printed in Arabic, the leaflet addresses Iraqi soldiers directly and presents surrender or ceasefire as a lawful, safe alternative under the Geneva Convention.
Leaflet Number: V53
Operation: Operation Desert Storm
Conflict / War: Gulf War
Year: 1991
Country / Theater: Iraq / Kuwait
Language(s): Arabic
Format: Original printed leaflet, double-sided
Provenance: Airdropped leaflet acquired from the family of a U.S. military commander.
Translation:
Front: No printed text.
Back: “The United States of America abides by the laws of the Geneva Convention. Ceasing fire will provide you with the following: humane treatment, food and water, medical care, shelter, and return to your home after hostilities.”
Imagery:
The front shows Iraqi soldiers surrendering with their hands raised as coalition aircraft and armored vehicles approach. Smoke rises from the background, while the soldiers’ raised hands and discarded posture frame surrender as the only safe response to coalition force.
Objective:
To persuade Iraqi soldiers to stop fighting by linking surrender with legal protection, humane treatment, basic care, and eventual return home. The leaflet uses the language of the Geneva Convention to make surrender appear lawful, orderly, and survivable rather than dishonorable.
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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