The Shadowy Hand Behind the Missiles: Unraveling the Truth of Hassan’s Arsenal
General Shepherd is ultimately responsible for giving the American ballistic missiles to Hassan Zyani in the reimagined Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022). He orchestrated the theft and subsequent transfer through intermediaries, primarily the Konni Group, to instigate a conflict and further his own agenda.
Unmasking the Mastermind: Shepherd’s Deception
The core narrative of Modern Warfare II revolves around a conspiracy involving stolen American missiles. The game slowly unveils a web of deceit, where trusted figures are revealed as antagonists. While Vladimir Makarov and his Konni mercenaries execute the theft, and Hassan uses the missiles to terrorize the United States, the puppet master pulling the strings is none other than Lieutenant General Shepherd.
The Illegal Arms Smuggling Operation
Shepherd initiated an off-the-books operation to supply American weapons to allies in the Middle East, ostensibly to combat Russian influence. This illegal operation, conducted through Shadow Company, provided a cover for his more sinister plans. It was during this operation that the missiles were diverted.
The Konni Group’s Role
Shepherd enlisted the services of the Konni Group, a private military company (PMC) led by Makarov, to steal the missiles from American soil. This collaboration highlights the extent of Shepherd’s corruption and his willingness to partner with dangerous individuals to achieve his goals. The Konni Group, acting as intermediaries, delivered the stolen missiles to Hassan.
Hassan’s Retaliation
Hassan Zyani, a key figure within the Quds Force, used the missiles to launch attacks against the United States. This act of aggression served Shepherd’s purpose: to create a climate of fear and justify his own actions, positioning himself as the savior of America.
Shepherd’s Motivation
Shepherd’s motives are complex. He desires to restore America’s global power and is willing to cross ethical boundaries to do so. The missile crisis allows him to consolidate power and push a more aggressive foreign policy, with him at the helm. In addition, there is an element of revenge driving his actions based upon past tragedies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Hassan in Modern Warfare II?
Hassan Zyani is a high-ranking commander within the Quds Force. He becomes a primary antagonist in Modern Warfare II, utilizing the stolen American missiles to launch attacks against the United States.
2. What is Task Force 141?
Task Force 141 is an elite, multinational special operations unit, composed of highly skilled soldiers from various countries. In the original Modern Warfare trilogy, they are commanded by Captain Price. In the rebooted series, the dynamic is more complex, with different power structures in play.
3. Is General Shepherd a good guy or a bad guy in Modern Warfare II?
General Shepherd is portrayed as an antagonist. While initially appearing as an ally, his true motives are revealed as the story progresses, showing his involvement in illegal activities and the orchestration of the missile crisis.
4. Why did Shepherd betray Ghost and Roach in the original MW2?
In the original Modern Warfare 2, Shepherd betrayed Ghost and Roach to cover up his involvement in the nuclear explosion that killed 30,000 marines. He sought to erase any witnesses to his actions and position himself as a war hero.
5. What is the significance of the “No Russian” mission?
The “No Russian” mission is a controversial level in Modern Warfare 2 where the player participates in a mass shooting at a Russian airport alongside Makarov and his men. This act is designed to incite a war between Russia and the United States.
6. What is Shadow Company?
Shadow Company is a private military company (PMC) under the command of General Shepherd. They carry out covert operations and are involved in illegal activities, including the arms smuggling operation that leads to the missile crisis.
7. Who is Vladimir Makarov?
Vladimir Makarov is a ruthless ultranationalist leader and a primary antagonist in the Modern Warfare series. He is known for his terrorist attacks and his role in instigating global conflicts. Makarov’s actions have devastating repercussions for the world.
8. What was “Operation Kingfish”?
“Operation Kingfish” was a mission conducted in 2013, prior to the events of Modern Warfare 2, where Task Force 141, including Captain Price, Soap MacTavish, and Ghost, targeted an Ultranationalist compound in Ukraine. The mission aimed to capture or eliminate Makarov, who was known as Kingfish.
9. Who is Captain Price?
Captain John Price is a central protagonist in the Modern Warfare series. He is a highly skilled and experienced British Special Air Service (SAS) officer, known for his leadership, tactical prowess, and dedication to completing his missions, regardless of the cost.
10. What role does Graves play in Modern Warfare II?
Commander Graves is the leader of Shadow Company and initially an ally to Task Force 141. He ultimately betrays the team under Shepherd’s orders, attempting to eliminate them to cover up the truth about the stolen missiles.
11. Why was Modern Warfare 2 banned in Russia?
Modern Warfare 2 was subject to censorship and ultimately banned in Russia due to the graphic content of the “No Russian” mission, which depicted a mass shooting in a Russian airport. This level was considered highly offensive and insensitive by the Russian government.
12. What is the connection between Makarov and Imran Zakhaev?
In the original Modern Warfare trilogy, Makarov was a disciple of Imran Zakhaev, the main antagonist of Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Makarov continued Zakhaev’s ultranationalist agenda and became a major threat to global security.
13. What is “No Russian”?
“No Russian” is a phrase uttered by Makarov at the beginning of the infamous mission of the same name. It’s an instruction to his group to speak only English during the mass shooting at the Zakhaev International Airport in Moscow. This is done to frame the United States for the attack and ignite a war between Russia and the US.
14. Why did Captain Price launch an ICBM in the original Modern Warfare 2?
In the original Modern Warfare 2, Captain Price launched an ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) at the Eastern Seaboard of the USA in order to destroy the ISS and with that end the war. This bold and desperate act was intended to disrupt the Russian invasion of the United States, knowing full well that doing so would have serious consequences. The Games Learning Society can provide further insights into the impact of such narrative choices on players and their understanding of conflict.
15. What happened to Graves after his betrayal in Modern Warfare II?
After betraying Task Force 141 on Shepherd’s orders, Graves disappears. His fate is uncertain, leaving the possibility for his return in future installments of the series. His whereabouts and future actions remain shrouded in mystery.
Conclusion: The Consequences of Deception
The events surrounding the missiles in Modern Warfare II highlight the dangers of unchecked power, political corruption, and the devastating consequences of deception. The actions of Shepherd, Makarov, and Hassan demonstrate the potential for individuals to manipulate events on a global scale, leading to widespread chaos and destruction. The storyline serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of accountability and the need to question authority. The Games Learning Society studies how these kinds of video games can be used to teach players important lessons about history, morality, and current events. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.