Word: waved
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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Still, this time the Iranian high command abandoned its suicidal tactic of human wave assaults and adopted a more conventional deployment of armor and artillery to confront the Iraqis. The Iranian forces pushed eleven miles inside Iraqi territory before they were stopped by a ferocious counterattack near the strategic Iraqi port of Basra. For the spoils of a few miles of sun-baked marshland, some 2,000 Iranians lost their lives. Iraq now says that more than 21,000 Iranian troops have been killed in the abortive drive on Basra, while Iraqi casualties, though not publicized, are estimated...
...with Musicians Chick Corea and Gary Burton, some 500 people jammed into an auditorium with 400 seats. Conover took the microphone and said, "Hello, I'm Willis . . ." He got no further. The young people erupted in cheers. They had grown up listening to that voice on the short wave. -By Patricia Blake. Reported by Erik Amfitheatrof and Jane Tempest/Moscow
Despite their public declarations of loyalty, most Iranian military commanders are said to be critical of the ruling clergy's tendency to use human-wave attacks to achieve quick victories. These commanders believe that Iran should try to wear down the enemy more slowly without wasting men and resources. Through further attacks, they reason, they could weaken the Iraqis' morale and gradually expand the size of the Basra front, which at present is only ten miles wide. The Ayatullah reportedly rejects such talk out of hand. Complains a former military official in Tehran: "Khomeini and his aides think...
Within 24 hours the two armies were locked in what was believed to be one of the biggest land battles since World War II. In the intense fighting that followed, thousands were killed and scores of tanks were destroyed as the Iraqis fought off the first wave of invaders. Said an Iranian officer of the packed battle scene: "Even if you shoot with your eyes closed, you are bound to hit someone." It was also a time of fervor and of exaggerated claims. In Tehran, masses of Khomeini supporters ignored the wail of air-raid sirens and marched through...
...There is a possibility of a division between the Sunni and Shi'a Muslims. I believe this would be more devastating than anything else in this area. This [Islamic fundamentalist] movement takes its direction from Tehran, and it is like a tidal wave. Eventually it will disappear. But what damage it can cause in this area! It could take many governments with it. It would really bring this area closer to what we see happening everywhere [violent upheaval], unless the majority of Arabs stand up and face...