Iraq’s Most Wanted Deck of Playing Cards

53 views 0 May 22, 2023 Updated on June 17, 2023

The Iraq’s Most Wanted deck of cards was a unique tool used by the U.S. military during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. It was distributed among the American troops to help them identify the most sought-after members of Saddam Hussein’s government.

The deck of cards featured the 55 most wanted figures in the Ba’ath Party regime, which was then in power in Iraq. The “most wanted” concept was not new – it was widely used by law enforcement agencies around the world to help capture dangerous criminals. However, this was one of the first times it had been applied in a military context and in such a creative way.

Each card in the deck displayed a photograph of an individual along with their name and position within the Iraqi government. The design was based on the standard deck of playing cards, with the 55 individuals ranked in order of their significance to the U.S. military. The higher the card’s rank, the more significant the person.

Saddam Hussein, the then-president of Iraq, was naturally depicted on the Ace of Spades, the highest card. His sons, Uday and Qusay Hussein, were depicted on the Ace of Hearts and Ace of Clubs, respectively. The rest of the cards featured other high-ranking officials, including vice presidents, ministers, and military leaders. Some lesser known officials and military officers were portrayed on the lower-ranked cards.

The deck of cards was an ingenious and practical way for soldiers to familiarize themselves with the faces and names of those they were tasked to find. The idea was that by playing cards, soldiers would repeatedly see these faces and, therefore, be more likely to recognize them in the field.

The deck of cards proved to be so popular that it quickly became a collectible item. Copies were sold to the public and are still available for purchase today. However, it’s worth noting that the real value of the deck wasn’t in its collectibility but in its contribution to the U.S. military’s efforts in Iraq.

While the Iraq’s Most Wanted deck of cards was a small piece in the vast military operation, it remains a fascinating example of the creativity and adaptability that can be employed in wartime strategy. It’s a vivid reminder of the human element in conflict, and of the individuals who were at the heart of one of the most significant events in early 21st-century history.

Diamonds

 

Clubs

 

Hearts

 

Diamonds

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