AG Fitna: Middle East Global War

Fitna: The Global War in the Middle East is an engaging grand strategic-level wargame that accommodates two to six players, illustrating military conflicts in the Middle East from 2012 to the foreseeable future. Players can immerse themselves in ten different historical and hypothetical scenarios, which include the campaign against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), the Kurdish Rebellion, the Sunni-Shia tensions, as well as the interventions by Russian, Turkish, Israeli, and Western forces within the region. Activation of ISIS forces occurs through Event cards, offering players a nuanced perspective on the objectives of local actors and a deeper understanding of the complexities within this tumultuous area.

Due to its comprehensive simulation capabilities, Fitna is utilized by experts and analysts at the French Ministry of Defence to evaluate potential future scenarios, paralleling the use of the landmark game “Gulf Strike” by US military strategists during the Gulf War preparation.

Game mechanics are structured around turns that each represent two months of actual time, which are subsequently divided into several phases. During these phases, players can execute a range of actions: they may play events, receive reinforcements, manage supply checks, allocate operational points, move units (primarily brigades and divisions), and initiate offensives. Each player holds four cards that must be deployed strategically for event creation, operational point expenditure, or supporting military engagements.

The game is played on an A1 map that portrays the Fertile Crescent—including Kuwait, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon—alongside portions of Iran, Israel, Turkey, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. This point-to-point map features 113 boxes, representing various terrains like clear land, mountains, swamps, and urban areas, in addition to oilfields and strategic objectives.

Three counter sheets provide a detailed order of battle (OB) for the multitude of potential belligerents involved in these conflicts. This roster includes formidable forces such as Iran's "Al Qods," the exceptional Israeli armored divisions, and units from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, the United States, France, Britain, Jordan, and Gulf monarchies. It also encompasses local Kurdish fighters, jihadist groups, and various militias, including Sunni, Shia, Al Shams, and Hezbollah.

Fitna employs a similar gaming system to “Bloody Dawn: The Iran-Iraq War,” designed by Pierre Razoitna, while providing a fresh approach to understanding the intricate dynamics of contemporary Middle Eastern conflicts. By engaging with this game, players gain insights not just into military strategy but also into the geopolitical landscape that drives the ongoing struggles in this pivotal region. This analysis and simulation capability serve to enhance players’ grasp of real-world events and facilitate discussions about future developments in Middle Eastern geopolitics.

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