Tsouras, Peter G. "Operation Orient: Joint Axis Strategy"
Divergence: 1942 CE
What if: The Axis adopted a joint strategy aimed at linking their spheres of influence.
Summary: The Japanese annihilate the British fleet in the Indian Ocean in April 1942, persuading them to go further into Indian Ocean, where they capture Ceylon. Meanwhile, Germany captures Malta and Egypt and begins an advance through Palestine and the Trans-Jordan, eventually connecting up with a Japanese assault in Iraq. The only Allied successes come against the Japanese Navy at Truk and in the Arabian Sea.
Published: In The Hitler Options: Alternate Decisions of World War II (ed. Kenneth Macksey), q.v.