1991 Iraq Desert Storm U.S. Propaganda Leaflets - Choice of False Banknote or Joint Forces Type - Iraqi Gulf War U.S. PSYOP Leaflets

This listing is for one of the photographed Iraq Desert Storm U.S. Forces Issued Propaganda Leaflets. Choose by the notes design type and propaganda on reverse. Two of these leaflets appeared as false Iraqi dinar banknotes that appear on the obverse to be a 25 dinar note, but on the reverse, they have Arabic script that urges the reader to surrender to the US. The other leaflet shows the flags of the countries in the Joint Forces, along with its seal at the center, and the reverse shows a comic strip of an Iraqi soldier. More information about the individual notes and their translations below. All notes are in Extremely Fine (XF) grade/condition, with some wrinkles and other signs of circulation. Super interesting piece of history! Perfect addition to any collection.

Airborne propaganda operations have been a useful tool in warfare several times throughout history, whether they intended to distract or trick armies, or urge troops to surrender. The U.S. led Coalition forces (Joint Forces) used the 4th Psychological Operations (PSYOP) group based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to design leaflets to be dropped on Iraqi troops and civilians urging them to surrender to US troops during Operation Desert Storm, a large air campaign over Kuwait and Iraq beginning January 17th, 1991. The PSYOP team sent designs for these leaflets to printing facilities in Saudi Arabia and Türkiye that would then be dropped via aircraft over Iraqi military facilities and Iraqi citizens. Over 29 million total leaflets were dropped by US forces during Operation Desert Storm. According to several captured Iraqi soldiers, these PSYOP leaflets proved to be an effective strategy in convincing Iraqi people to support the Joint Forces operations. 

Leaflet reverse translations:

False Banknote: Safe Conduct Pass -

"If you leave fighting, you will be safe and return to your families. Take the following actions: 

1. Remove the magazines from your weapons
2. Place your weapon on your left shoulder and turn muzzle
3. Place hands above your head
4. Approach slowly to the military positions

Note: Be careful of the minefield planted along the border

Iraqi soldiers who carry this pass as proof of their sincere intention to cease resistance and withdraw from the battlefield must be disarmed, treated well, provided with food and water, and, if necessary, receive medical treatment."

False Banknote: Iraqi Citizens Plea -

"There is no difference between your money and this piece of paper. Worthless money is plentiful in the land and deprivation is spreading. No remedy is present. The suffering is growing. There is no nourishment, but there is filth. There is no soap or water to be found. The darkness has settled. The electricity is cut. You are in distress. You have needs, but your wife is not with you. You are afraid of Saddam, but you do not disobey. You are in eminent danger of death but have no plans to change it. Oh, people of Iraq, you still have the right to do something, yet you are sitting in your house. Oh soldiers, oh civilians, oh elders, oh youth, oh women, oh men. The time has come for you to respond to the call of duty. Rise up and flood the streets and alleys for the overthrow of Saddam and his supporters."

Joint Forces Flags Leaflet - 

The comic shows an Iraqi soldier thinking of Coalition tanks and aircraft on top, the same soldier imagining being home with his family below. Text at the top translates to "My Iraqi brother, it pains us to see you return to Iraq, whether dead or disabled."

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1991 Iraq Desert Storm U.S. Propaganda Leaflets - Choice of False Banknote or Joint Forces Type - Iraqi Gulf War U.S. PSYOP Leaflets