Japan has engaged Persia, though I believe that was a Russian puppet.
Other than that, it'd be interesting to see what Japan is up to currently.
Other than that, it'd be interesting to see what Japan is up to currently.
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It looks like the Soviets are on the ropes, but certainly not beaten yet. Will they stake everything on defending Moscow or retreat to hold out longer at Leningrad or Stalingrad? My thought would be to try a delay at Moscow but make the final stand at Leningrad. Of course with less mobile troops than the Germans that redeployment could be disastrous. But Leningrad would be farther from Italian (and Japanese perhaps) reinforcements than Stalingrad. And if the British were able to raid Denmark, they could even threaten German supply lines with landings on the Baltic.
Addendum to Chapter XVIII - Free the Frog, 2nd try
Since I have been away (to Stockholm, I even passed by Paradox HQ. Sadly they were closed.), I will post a larger than normal addendum. Including a special update at the end. However, first you have to eat your vegetables, I mean, read through my entire update. We start 28th April.
An RM sub flottilia tried to pass through the English channel. Frasier,s taskforce thought otherwise, and the light cruisers attatched promptly sank it. Finally, the Royal navy started to become more successful in the convoy war.
The situation in southern Russia was catastrophic. The Romanians had nearly no troops, and would reach Stalingrad if not contained. Since Stalin refused to accept any Allied troops on USSR soil (IMHO, you don´t seem to get supply when you enter other factions controlled territory, at least not in Russia proper), american advisors pointed to Rumania as a possible weak spot. Bukarest was so close to the sea that the government could be siezed in one quick stroke.
Transporting through the Med would of course mean braving the ever present RM. Almost all of Brittish naval assets participated in the great convoy, ready to fight back any RM taskforce that tried to attack the transports.
Passing Sardinia, some transports suffered light damage from aerial strikes, but most were warded off by the escorts AA. Several subs that tried to attack were sunk by the escorting CTF.
After scouting by carrier air wings, the attack, Operation Zeppelin, was a grat success. The Romanians had completely failed to protect their black sea coast, and had lost all their navy in battles in the Med. The French armour was very useful, as it´t high speed made it possible to reach Bukarest before any Romanian or German reinforcements could reach it.
The Romanian government was restructured according to democratic principles, each member being issued a few MI-6... bodyguards. For their protection. The UK HQ then discussed what to do. The Romanian commanders in Russia refused to return to Romania for... reeducation of democratic principles, and so, almost fifteen Romanian divisions remained deep in USSR, without any supplies. It was decided to attempt a strike at Hungary, to attempt to take another Axis puppet out.
However, the Hungarian border was strongly defended, and several German Panzer divisions showed up on the borders of Romania. Hitler´s diplomats had realised that Romania was not going to return to the Axis, and so, they declared war.
However, the brave defenders of Freedom and Democracy had more pressing matters at hand than trying to defend Romania. Churchill gave the order for a return of all forces to the Brittish homelands for a more pressing concern. RAF planes stationed in Romania bombed the German troops, but soon returned to UK.
Authors note: The failed attack on Hungary and the wait for the Romanian troops to return to Romania cost too much time. Had I just puppeted Romania, I could have attacked France ~2 months earlier.
Italy seemed to harbour a particular hate against the Brittish, and lost no opportunity in trying to engage them. During this time, Rhodes, and the second island under Italian control in the eastern med, was taken by amphibious assault. The fighting was fierce, and Italian naval bombers damaged several transports, but in the end, Italy lost two naval bases and the infantery and militia garrisons.
Even the ASW technology improved (1943 tech level, researched continoulsy since beginning of the game). It bacame more and more dangerous to be a submariner.
The transport flottilias that transported the troops from Operation Zeppelin to UK were attacked by german u-boots. However, the destroyer escorts (still only equipped with hedgehog weaponry, managed to sink them. This was the first sinking of any german subs since... quite a long time. In the picture, you also see me offering my condolances to the KM. (it translates roughly into, Die, von Nordeck!). More dangerous to be a submariner, indeed.
Then, in August, Operation Bodyguard was launched. Several motorised and all armour that the Brittish military could muster was thrown against the German defences in France. In retrospect, it was obvious that the operation succeeded in the first of it´s objective: to draw troops from the eastern front. However, it failed in the second: To capture and destroy as many German troops as possible. The Infantery landings in eastern France was too small to be able to push inland, and the attack from the Breton penninsula would have been better used reinforcing the main attack from Caen.
In the end, three German infantery divisions were destroyed, but if the main thrust had had more mobile troops, several Panzer divisons would have been in danger. However, each time the Brittish tanks met the German tanks, any offensive stopped. Not only were they superiour in quality, they were also far better trained and with better doctrines.
And so I leave you with the special update. A ships sunk list!
This is manually counted, so it could probably be one or two errors in there. I belive the calculations for the capital ships are correct, though.
Since I have been away (to Stockholm, I even passed by Paradox HQ. Sadly they were closed.), I will post a larger than normal addendum. Including a special update at the end. However, first you have to eat your vegetables, I mean, read through my entire update. We start 28th April.
An RM sub flottilia tried to pass through the English channel. Frasier,s taskforce thought otherwise, and the light cruisers attatched promptly sank it. Finally, the Royal navy started to become more successful in the convoy war.
The situation in southern Russia was catastrophic. The Romanians had nearly no troops, and would reach Stalingrad if not contained. Since Stalin refused to accept any Allied troops on USSR soil (IMHO, you don´t seem to get supply when you enter other factions controlled territory, at least not in Russia proper), american advisors pointed to Rumania as a possible weak spot. Bukarest was so close to the sea that the government could be siezed in one quick stroke.
Transporting through the Med would of course mean braving the ever present RM. Almost all of Brittish naval assets participated in the great convoy, ready to fight back any RM taskforce that tried to attack the transports.
Passing Sardinia, some transports suffered light damage from aerial strikes, but most were warded off by the escorts AA. Several subs that tried to attack were sunk by the escorting CTF.
After scouting by carrier air wings, the attack, Operation Zeppelin, was a grat success. The Romanians had completely failed to protect their black sea coast, and had lost all their navy in battles in the Med. The French armour was very useful, as it´t high speed made it possible to reach Bukarest before any Romanian or German reinforcements could reach it.
The Romanian government was restructured according to democratic principles, each member being issued a few MI-6... bodyguards. For their protection. The UK HQ then discussed what to do. The Romanian commanders in Russia refused to return to Romania for... reeducation of democratic principles, and so, almost fifteen Romanian divisions remained deep in USSR, without any supplies. It was decided to attempt a strike at Hungary, to attempt to take another Axis puppet out.
However, the Hungarian border was strongly defended, and several German Panzer divisions showed up on the borders of Romania. Hitler´s diplomats had realised that Romania was not going to return to the Axis, and so, they declared war.
However, the brave defenders of Freedom and Democracy had more pressing matters at hand than trying to defend Romania. Churchill gave the order for a return of all forces to the Brittish homelands for a more pressing concern. RAF planes stationed in Romania bombed the German troops, but soon returned to UK.
Authors note: The failed attack on Hungary and the wait for the Romanian troops to return to Romania cost too much time. Had I just puppeted Romania, I could have attacked France ~2 months earlier.
Italy seemed to harbour a particular hate against the Brittish, and lost no opportunity in trying to engage them. During this time, Rhodes, and the second island under Italian control in the eastern med, was taken by amphibious assault. The fighting was fierce, and Italian naval bombers damaged several transports, but in the end, Italy lost two naval bases and the infantery and militia garrisons.
Even the ASW technology improved (1943 tech level, researched continoulsy since beginning of the game). It bacame more and more dangerous to be a submariner.
The transport flottilias that transported the troops from Operation Zeppelin to UK were attacked by german u-boots. However, the destroyer escorts (still only equipped with hedgehog weaponry, managed to sink them. This was the first sinking of any german subs since... quite a long time. In the picture, you also see me offering my condolances to the KM. (it translates roughly into, Die, von Nordeck!). More dangerous to be a submariner, indeed.
Then, in August, Operation Bodyguard was launched. Several motorised and all armour that the Brittish military could muster was thrown against the German defences in France. In retrospect, it was obvious that the operation succeeded in the first of it´s objective: to draw troops from the eastern front. However, it failed in the second: To capture and destroy as many German troops as possible. The Infantery landings in eastern France was too small to be able to push inland, and the attack from the Breton penninsula would have been better used reinforcing the main attack from Caen.
In the end, three German infantery divisions were destroyed, but if the main thrust had had more mobile troops, several Panzer divisons would have been in danger. However, each time the Brittish tanks met the German tanks, any offensive stopped. Not only were they superiour in quality, they were also far better trained and with better doctrines.
And so I leave you with the special update. A ships sunk list!
This is manually counted, so it could probably be one or two errors in there. I belive the calculations for the capital ships are correct, though.
To the consternation of Napoleon, Hitler and friends.
You dont protect the beaches by garrisoning the coastline. If you had a div per coastal province there would be none over for Barbarossa. (You should have a strong infantry corps in every third port to prevent easy link ups, and a reserve army stationed either in central/strategic locations.) You protect the beaches by defeating the enemy navy, either destroying its ability to support offensive operations as the RN did to the KM (freeing up Brit assets from guarding the isles) or keeping it on the defensive protecting their own coastline instead of threatening yours (as the RN has forced the RM to do).
If the Axis fails to keep the Brits besieged, forced to garrison their own beaches and patrol their own skies and beaches for fear of a Sea Lion, stretching their resources and keeping them guessing, this is what will and should happen.
No one ever sang about the Germans ruling waves.
This is nonsensial. Raids such as these are exploits from both a gameplay and a historic POV:
1) Launching large invasions and pulling out so fast was impossible IRL.
2) Ruin gameplay by giving small armies brought in by fleets unrealistic abilities to quickly cut-off any exposed units.
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Russia lost 12 Subs? Didn't know they even had that many... Where's the rest of their fleet hiding out? I would have expected them to assemble in the Black Sea and try to oppose the Italians, seems to be the best course of action.
Its a game not real life.The Axis in HoI have such a overwhelming advantage in a mulitiplayer setting that tactics like the British player is using are needed to keep things balanced. Don't like it? Deal with it. The Carnage group have their rules and you whingeing isn't going to change a thing.
Excellent AAR, but seriously SOOO much whining about "gamey tactics" and "exploits" .
Good thing there's mods around though =)
.Good thing there's mods around though =)
Yeah, just finished it, its great, and more balanced, seems like it might last longer than other Carnage AARs. But too much complaining about gamey tactics, I had to skip 2 or 3 pages because of it. Its there game, they all know what is possible in it, so they should plan accordingly is what I think.
My compliments to CPT Easy, and the Italian Army, for their crucial efforts to keep the Axis forces from being cut off in France. Very good job of identifying and fortifying the weak point in the lines and defending steadily against heavy British attacks. Zid shows his ability once more to strike at will, but this dogged defense by the Italian army shows that the Brits can be stymied and adds a good dose of hope into the Axis.
Ahh nice, thanks again for another update. Per usual it makes an exciting read.
Looking forward to get news of the situation in the East (both the East Front and the Far East).
Glad to see a proper West Front. Seen in light of the distances on the Russian front the allied troops are not too far from Berlin. And a boat ride's time after the US joins the war I guess a couple of new armies will show up on the European theater.
Looking forward to get news of the situation in the East (both the East Front and the Far East).
Glad to see a proper West Front. Seen in light of the distances on the Russian front the allied troops are not too far from Berlin. And a boat ride's time after the US joins the war I guess a couple of new armies will show up on the European theater.
It is 4-6 months time before the US gets into the war. Can it be delayed? Also, I'm curious as to how advanced will their ground troops be? If Germans still have the edge, even after the entry of the US, then any invasions might stall. The Bear has to fall before the entry, though.
Russina player here,
Yes the main fleet was in the Black sea supporting the land battles although the subs where in the Baltics and around the Japanese Island on convoiraiding. As they where on the lowest priority, I did not have time to check on them and frankly, I did not care.
Yes the main fleet was in the Black sea supporting the land battles although the subs where in the Baltics and around the Japanese Island on convoiraiding. As they where on the lowest priority, I did not have time to check on them and frankly, I did not care.
@ Zid your last "Addendum" is a chapter in its own right.
Very well composed - very informative and depicting the action step by step with helpfull notes. It was really fun to follow the British Campaign that way!
Keep it coming
Edit: Thinking of it - there is zero (0) ENG HQ to be seen in the last updates. Are you playing without chain of command through cascading HQ's (Theatre-> Army Group -> Army -> Corps)giving up the boni this chain provides for better movement speed? (And quicker evacuation/retreat?)
Or are the ENG HQs just hidden in the stacks?
@Henry
Thanks for the update(s) on the SOV situation. If you have kept the Red Army mostly intact so far losing ground is not important as long as SOV doesn't get to close to surrendering.
If you have got up to date doctrtines and tech in INF and MedArm, what do you think makes the difference (in favour of GER) in combat sofar?
a.) Better GER Generals?
b.) Event driven effects?
c.) other effects (Strategic modifiers etc.)?
d.) GER having even better tech and doctrine at gamestart (headstart on Blitz/Schwerp/ etc)?
How bad is GER airsup/bombing on the eastern front right now? (Luftwaffe has got to be somewhere as it appears to be sucking in the West)
Best
Thel
Very well composed - very informative and depicting the action step by step with helpfull notes. It was really fun to follow the British Campaign that way!
Keep it coming
Edit: Thinking of it - there is zero (0) ENG HQ to be seen in the last updates. Are you playing without chain of command through cascading HQ's (Theatre-> Army Group -> Army -> Corps)giving up the boni this chain provides for better movement speed? (And quicker evacuation/retreat?)
Or are the ENG HQs just hidden in the stacks?
@Henry
Thanks for the update(s) on the SOV situation. If you have kept the Red Army mostly intact so far losing ground is not important as long as SOV doesn't get to close to surrendering.
If you have got up to date doctrtines and tech in INF and MedArm, what do you think makes the difference (in favour of GER) in combat sofar?
a.) Better GER Generals?
b.) Event driven effects?
c.) other effects (Strategic modifiers etc.)?
d.) GER having even better tech and doctrine at gamestart (headstart on Blitz/Schwerp/ etc)?
How bad is GER airsup/bombing on the eastern front right now? (Luftwaffe has got to be somewhere as it appears to be sucking in the West)
Best
Thel
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Several of you commented on the lack of news from the East. In earlier Carnage-AARs I always followed the dates exactly, thus jumping madly from one arena to the next, then back and then to a third. I found this be a chaotic way to tell a story. Now, I clump events togeather so focus is more on each event and not the exact date in relation to other events. Normaly, one such event doesn't fill an entire chapter, like now. You simply have to re-read last chapter and keep those events in mind when you read this chapter. Next chapter will of course describe other theatres.
Thank for your update. Although your attack on Hungary was a chance you just had to take (I would probably have done the same), I must confess that I wondered why you lingered in Romania once the Hungary-trick had failed.
Sharp eyes as ever, Thel. I had not noticed this. Or was there no space left in the transports? It is quite the army you move around with. As this entire operation was built on speed, and not long trying combats, there wouldn't be a huge point with bringing a lot of HQs anyway. Or are you just lazy, Zid
In that kind of situation, HQs would be a burden and a pain to look out for. Better leave them at home, possibly disbanding the whole, useless lot and turn them into front line officers ;-)
Cpt, any chance for an update anytime soon?
Always during the weekend or during friday night if you are lucky (meaning I am lucky to have some peace and quiet...). This friday will not be that lucky at all though, as I will have to drink beer with an old friend. Some times life is really taxing.
But if you are bored - plz go to the Iron HeAARt voting thread and put one on Sudden Carnage... or any of the other fine AARs,
But if you are bored - plz go to the Iron HeAARt voting thread and put one on Sudden Carnage... or any of the other fine AARs,
Carnage al Dente
Chapter XIX - The Push for Moscow
Players:UK, USA, 2xUSSR, GER, ITA, JAP
Still an Axis player on vacation
Recap: The 2nd British attack on France has pulled at the German attention. Still, Soviet needs to be crushed in order for Germany to reach victory - and Moscow is the pearl in Russia.
July 18th, 1941
During the British attack on France, Wehrmacht were constantly pressing for Moscow. They were hampered by the action in France and Romania but the main target was still the Soviet capital. If nothing else, the German stockpile on rare materials was critically low and Italy had to supply them a lot more than they wanted, thus having their own stockpile shrinking.
A couple of hundred kilometers west of Moscow, German forces surrounded about five divisions of Red Army infantry. That was good news as German panzers struggled against huge amount of Russians and Russian air superiority but still gaining yet another province.
July 25th, 1941
The Wehrmacht clearly tried to surround the Soviet capital, but the Red Army fought with everything they had to stop that from happening. Germany mainly had panzers in the front and they were obviously difficult to stop. On the other hand, if they tired, there was little else. Germany had put everything on one set of cards.
August 8th, 1941
The German push against Moscow seems to have halted for the time being. In the south, little is new. Soviet has regained a lot of what was previously lost, thanks to the British intervention in Romania. In the north however, the Red Army has retreated more or less all the way to Leningrad without giving very much battle along the way. Perhaps the Finish guerilla tactics in the far north is making them worried.
August 9th-11th, 1941
Romania was brought to heel. Germany did not take easily on turn cloaks and dissolved the governmental structure of the country. The Hungarians got to keep what they had conquered as a gesture that faithful allies was well rewarded.
A lot of Axis units would now be freed up for other uses. Still, the loss of the Romanian forces would weaken the Axis offensive.
August 20th, 1941
The battle of Romania done, the victorious German forces were organizing themselves, and so did the few remaining Italian forces. Their Odessa-colony had grown somewhat but they had problems getting supply there, as Germany clearly prioritized other locations.
August 20th, 1941
A European overview of the situation after the summer. Except losing their colony in Africa, which did not really affect the average Italian, few things had happened to seriously impact the normal life in Italy. Sure, some young men were killed in combat or lost to imprisonment, but it was relatively few. Air duels and naval battle came just as adventurous stories that nobody had seen. From the propaganda from Il Douche’s controlled press, most of sounded like thinks were going alright. In fact, Italy took the brunt of the British effort while Germany and Japan had it quite easy and was deeply thankful for the Italian effort in the war. They would be greatly rewarded when the victory was won. The Odessa-colony was just the first.
August, 1941
The attentive civil Italian may have noted that stories of their heroic submarine crews were less frequent. The reality was that quite bad. The British sub-hunter techniques and technology had gone far beyond that of the Italian capacity. As a result, Italy no longer had any active submarine in the Atlantic and only German wolf-packs prowled there now. In the Med, they were still fairly successful, but far away from the glorious year of 1940.
Good thing, however, was that the Allies did not sink a single convoy from the Italian and the few Soviet subs seemed quite inefficient and sank a few. Very few in fact.
In any case, the Brits potential to use their industrial capacity for ships, plans and ground troops had surely increased during spring and summer of -41.
July 27th, 1941
The Japanese forces had great difficulties to corner the Red Army fleeing out of defeated Persia. The closed the sack, the Red Army opened it and then the Japs closed it again. The Red Army did not yield easily and the going was slow in the mountains.
August 15th, 1941
In the end, the majority of the Soviet Army in Persia was annihilated. This was an important victory for the Axis. Not only did the Red Army lose a substantial amount of men, at least 50 000 were lost here, but their belly was now completely unprotected.
Still, Iraqi and British forces nibbled at the Japanese flank and reminded them of the futility of chasing headstrong into Russia without securing the back.
August 20th, 1941
Even so, the Japs continued to make land gains in Soviet. There was nothing there to stop them.
August 20th, 1941
The Japanese empire is just beyond imagination in size.
...........................
Chapter XIX - The Push for Moscow
Players:UK, USA, 2xUSSR, GER, ITA, JAP
Still an Axis player on vacation
Recap: The 2nd British attack on France has pulled at the German attention. Still, Soviet needs to be crushed in order for Germany to reach victory - and Moscow is the pearl in Russia.
July 18th, 1941
During the British attack on France, Wehrmacht were constantly pressing for Moscow. They were hampered by the action in France and Romania but the main target was still the Soviet capital. If nothing else, the German stockpile on rare materials was critically low and Italy had to supply them a lot more than they wanted, thus having their own stockpile shrinking.
A couple of hundred kilometers west of Moscow, German forces surrounded about five divisions of Red Army infantry. That was good news as German panzers struggled against huge amount of Russians and Russian air superiority but still gaining yet another province.
July 25th, 1941
The Wehrmacht clearly tried to surround the Soviet capital, but the Red Army fought with everything they had to stop that from happening. Germany mainly had panzers in the front and they were obviously difficult to stop. On the other hand, if they tired, there was little else. Germany had put everything on one set of cards.
August 8th, 1941
The German push against Moscow seems to have halted for the time being. In the south, little is new. Soviet has regained a lot of what was previously lost, thanks to the British intervention in Romania. In the north however, the Red Army has retreated more or less all the way to Leningrad without giving very much battle along the way. Perhaps the Finish guerilla tactics in the far north is making them worried.
August 9th-11th, 1941
Romania was brought to heel. Germany did not take easily on turn cloaks and dissolved the governmental structure of the country. The Hungarians got to keep what they had conquered as a gesture that faithful allies was well rewarded.
A lot of Axis units would now be freed up for other uses. Still, the loss of the Romanian forces would weaken the Axis offensive.
August 20th, 1941
The battle of Romania done, the victorious German forces were organizing themselves, and so did the few remaining Italian forces. Their Odessa-colony had grown somewhat but they had problems getting supply there, as Germany clearly prioritized other locations.
August 20th, 1941
A European overview of the situation after the summer. Except losing their colony in Africa, which did not really affect the average Italian, few things had happened to seriously impact the normal life in Italy. Sure, some young men were killed in combat or lost to imprisonment, but it was relatively few. Air duels and naval battle came just as adventurous stories that nobody had seen. From the propaganda from Il Douche’s controlled press, most of sounded like thinks were going alright. In fact, Italy took the brunt of the British effort while Germany and Japan had it quite easy and was deeply thankful for the Italian effort in the war. They would be greatly rewarded when the victory was won. The Odessa-colony was just the first.
August, 1941
The attentive civil Italian may have noted that stories of their heroic submarine crews were less frequent. The reality was that quite bad. The British sub-hunter techniques and technology had gone far beyond that of the Italian capacity. As a result, Italy no longer had any active submarine in the Atlantic and only German wolf-packs prowled there now. In the Med, they were still fairly successful, but far away from the glorious year of 1940.
Good thing, however, was that the Allies did not sink a single convoy from the Italian and the few Soviet subs seemed quite inefficient and sank a few. Very few in fact.
In any case, the Brits potential to use their industrial capacity for ships, plans and ground troops had surely increased during spring and summer of -41.
July 27th, 1941
The Japanese forces had great difficulties to corner the Red Army fleeing out of defeated Persia. The closed the sack, the Red Army opened it and then the Japs closed it again. The Red Army did not yield easily and the going was slow in the mountains.
August 15th, 1941
In the end, the majority of the Soviet Army in Persia was annihilated. This was an important victory for the Axis. Not only did the Red Army lose a substantial amount of men, at least 50 000 were lost here, but their belly was now completely unprotected.
Still, Iraqi and British forces nibbled at the Japanese flank and reminded them of the futility of chasing headstrong into Russia without securing the back.
August 20th, 1941
Even so, the Japs continued to make land gains in Soviet. There was nothing there to stop them.
August 20th, 1941
The Japanese empire is just beyond imagination in size.
...........................
I wonder what the Japanese Navy is doing all the time. We haven't heard of their ships for quite a while and I would have expected them to attack the Suez Channel a while ago.
In this update, the fighting in France seems to be still going on as well as yet another landing in Denmark...
Since the British do seem to make a point of being the most annoying enemy in any game I've ever seen so far, I wonder why they didn't invade Albania, so they had a base right next to Italy proper ;-)
In this update, the fighting in France seems to be still going on as well as yet another landing in Denmark...
Since the British do seem to make a point of being the most annoying enemy in any game I've ever seen so far, I wonder why they didn't invade Albania, so they had a base right next to Italy proper ;-)
IMO the Axis has the upper hand. It's August, so the weather is bound to be good. Italy is still in the game and the British are busy in France. They can be an annoyance at best, because they lack forces to conduct several operations at once.
Much depend on the ability of the Soviet player to resist the Germans and to a lesser extent - the Japanese. The strike on Baku and the Caucasus was a good idea, because if the Soviets lose Moscow, they will lose all their stockpiles and without the Caucasus they will be deprived of most of their oil income. There is not much more the Japanese can do to weaken the Soviets. However, they could strike at Suez, if they have enough forces to perform such an operation.
Everything will be decided within several next months, but because of the new VC rule the game can last a bit longer.
Much depend on the ability of the Soviet player to resist the Germans and to a lesser extent - the Japanese. The strike on Baku and the Caucasus was a good idea, because if the Soviets lose Moscow, they will lose all their stockpiles and without the Caucasus they will be deprived of most of their oil income. There is not much more the Japanese can do to weaken the Soviets. However, they could strike at Suez, if they have enough forces to perform such an operation.
Everything will be decided within several next months, but because of the new VC rule the game can last a bit longer.