The defector was part of Saddam's crack Republican Guard and has emphasised its role in ensuring the loyalty of other troops... "When it is time for war we are fully prepared to fight into the ground. If we don't fight hard, they will execute us," he said.
Who will execute you? You are the Republican Guard. If you defect there's nobody left.
Who will execute you? You are the Republican Guard. If you defect there's nobody left.
Think of the Russians during WWII -- they had "political troops" stationed behind the lines to kill any soldiers who might retreat. Same for these guys.