Battle for Baghdad is a political/military game dealing with the
current occupation of the city of Baghdad by US forces. The game models six
factions, Sunni, Shi'ite, Iraqi Government, US, NGOs, and Jihadists, each
having unique capabilities and goals within the city of Baghdad. The primary
focus of the game is to demonstrate the asymmetrical conditions that exist
within the environment, and to portray the challenges that confront
interacting actors with differing goals. The product is approachable, making
it ideal for group board game fans, but is sophisticated enough to provide
significant value to university classrooms and government training.

Battle for Baghdad was play-tested by members of the Naval War College,
Center for Naval Analysis, Center for Army Analysis, and the US Air Force,
and researched using open source information and interviews with military
personnel who currently or have recently served in Baghdad, making Battle
for Bagdad as representative of the situation as possible.

The primary purpose of producing Battle for Baghdad is to demonstrate
the kinds of challenges inherent in the occupation of the country of Iraq.
Intended as an educational tool, the game aptly shows how understanding one'
s own goals in a multi-competitive environment is insufficient to guarantee
stability or success. Knowledge of the goals and intent of the other players
is crucial to successful coalition building and in-theater success.

The simulation game comes complete with a satellite map of the city of
Baghdad, playing cards that comprise the Arms Bazaar, Arab Street, and
Command Structures of the various groups, conflict displays, and
infrastructure and security tokens. Players compete with one another to
deliver security and infrastructure to the city, and in so doing collect
political points, which function as the game's currency. These points, in
turn, allow players to purchase capabilities and prosecute strategies that
can bring them closer to accomplishing their unique victory condition.
However, due to the multi-competitive nature of the game, setbacks and
unplanned outcomes are common and often occur at the worst possible time.

Demonstrations have been conducted at various US military and DoD
conferences. The game has been advertised with multiple full-page color ads
in Against the Odds magazine, and three back covers of Battles magazine.

Components: