Chapter 1754 - 1360: The Victor Is King (Part 2)

Song Heping's voice sounded calm: "I am the boss of the Defense Company, contracted to handle this business and help you solve the trouble, it is my duty; however, I won't do it for free, I expect a return."

"That is reasonable."

Old Masoud took a deep breath and continued: "Tomorrow, I will instruct our party group in the Illigo Council to fully support the bill for Samir's 'Liberation Forces' to be officially incorporated into the Defense Army. Not just verbal support but to go all out, using all political resources to ensure the bill passes."

The weight of this promise was well understood by both parties.

Although the Kurds held relatively few seats in the Illigo Council, they often played a pivotal role in critical issues.

Old Masoud's move was akin to showing everyone his attitude and stance.

"No problem, I believe you are also someone who keeps promises."

Song Heping was not surprised.

This is the rule.

The unwritten rule.

If Old Masoud dared to take the benefits and do nothing, he could overturn the table.

In the Northwest Illinois, Song Heping had enough power to make Old Masoud restless at night.

Especially now, taking advantage of this Kurdish turmoil, Song Heping had already sent an additional five thousand troops into Illiguo.

Plus Naxin's previous deployment of three thousand in Bayji.

The potential forces of the Holy City Brigade in the Northwest Illinois now number eight thousand.

Along with Abu You Brigade's near five thousand, Samir's more than eight thousand militiamen, and his own two elite mercenary camps.

If Old Masoud dared to play any tricks, Song Heping could swallow the entire Kirkuk region oil field, cutting off the Kurds' most vital economic resource.

If things really reached that point, Major General Duke who had been acting as a mediator, and howsoever shameless the US Army might be, would find it difficult to speak on behalf of Old Masoud.

"Please rest assured, Mr. Song." Old Masoud promised again: "I, Masoud, am not one to break promises, and the things the Kurds promised will be done for you, just wait for my good news."

After a pause, his voice became more serious: "There is one more thing. As for Abu You, I will let him return to the Military Committee and hold a deputy position; his forces will also return under Kurdish Military Committee management, enjoying the same funding and equipment allocations as other forces, but he can only serve as the deputy, this is the limit I can promise."

"I understand."

Of course, Song Heping understood.

After this rebellion, for a considerable period, at least while Old Masoud was in power, his son Little Masoud would be the actual leader of the Military Committee, whereas Abu You and Tor Khan, who made significant contributions in suppressing the rebellion, could only be deputies.

This is politics.

"But I also have a condition."

"Please speak, Mr. Song."

"The garrison area of Abu You remains in its original location."

Original location.

This means staying in the Kirkuk Oil Field Area.

This move by Song Heping had a sophisticated strategic plan embedded within.

Since Abu You can only hold a deputy position within the Military Committee due to the Kurdish internal factional balance or Old Masoud's trust issues, Abu You must also have his own leverage.

Otherwise, just having a nominal position is pointless.

The balance of power, responsibility, and finance must be maintained.

As long as Abu You is responsible for the defense of the Kirkuk Oil Field, his position will be more crucial than Tor Khan's.

After all, that oil field is the financial source of the Kurd Autonomous Region.

If anyone in the future wanted to harm Abu You, he could directly overturn the table and confront any internal Kurdish faction occupying the prized Kirkuk.

This is leverage.

Old Masoud certainly understood.

After a full ten seconds of silence, he agreed: "Okay, I promise you that."

He couldn't afford not to agree.

Now, the Kurdish Autonomous Region has just quelled the rebellion, and there is still a large number of core figures from the old Barzani faction to purge internally.

There was no energy left to find another enemy.

Especially an enemy like Song Heping.

He cannot provoke or afford to provoke this kind of opponent.

Especially as Old Masoud was well aware of Song Heping's style of doing things.

He truly dares to overturn the table.

Don't even mention the Kurdish's table.

He's even overturned the American's table before.

It's best not to provoke the Northwest King.

After the call ended, Old Masoud leaned back against the pillow, exhausted.

The monitor showed his heart rate was a little high, but he didn't care.

He could already see the next steps, using this victory's momentum to push military reforms and strengthen central authority.

He suddenly had a new idea.

To engage Song Heping as a consultant for the autonomous region government, to participate in these reform works.

After all, having a Northwest King with significant power assisting him, the internally restless pro-Barzani military factions or groups would have to think twice about whether they could contend against Song Heping.

But Song Heping was a defense company boss.

Is it appropriate for him to be a government consultant?

After racking his brain for a while more,

Old Masoud suddenly had a flash of inspiration.

He picked up the phone once more, this time dialing his confidant Saeed.

"Saeed, I have something to discuss with you... Yes... Now, immediately..."

When Saeed, who was responsible for liaison and negotiation in the Green Zone, received the call, he was in a hotel room in the Green Zone organizing external announcements related to the rebellion suppression action.

He was Old Masoud's most trusted staff, more scholar-like than a politician in style.

Although Old Masoud's voice on the phone was weak, it carried an undeniable urgency.

"Now? Mr. President, it's almost midnight, and your health..."