I don't understand this strategy? Why give him fair warning? So that he can hide? It's like hide and seek, count to 100 and I'll come seek you out. Doesn't jive right with me.

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You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

It was clearly a political move, not a strategic one.

I think the fact that we are willing to do such a thing is just a statement of complete cofidence in our ability to overcome them.

Have a great day,

I agree with Larry. We are actually changing quite a few of our "announced" plans for political considerations and reduction of casualties. See, we're not as blood-thirsty as many think we are!

Also, if we had reliable intelligence on where he was to take refuge, the announcement may have been a way of forcing him to that location at the end of the waiting period.

I agree I think it may have been strategic in nature. They somehow knew where Sadam was most likely to go to formulate a response, together with his generals, when given an ultimatum. That first strike did very serious damage.

Perhaps to give all our intelligence sources (electronic, on the ground, covert , satelite, etc.) the opportunity to observe the Baath Party Headcockroaches scurrying about from one crack to another?

Ever hear the term "Target of Opportunity"?

I hope he's dead, along with all of his brutal & criminal regime.

Free Iraq!

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'91 420 SEL @ 199K, '92 SVX @ 181K, '93 SC400 @ 86K, '93 Kaw ZX-11 @ 30K, '87 F250 @ 181K , 2001 Valkyrie Interstate @ 6K, Y2K Honda NightHawk 250 with 1.5K, '88 420SEL I.@ 179K & the 2nd latest, an '88 420SEL II.@ 210K runnin' parts car, '85 F150 300/NP435

I think it was both. Politically, it looked good to give him "one last chance" to surrender without putting people at risk.

It also gave the CIA the chance to watch for him to pick a hiding spot. With high-res sats, on-the-gound assets, and "native" informants, it might be possible to "triangulate" his whereabouts, and kill him right off the bat.

Might have worked too. I just heard this afternoon that there are reports of SH himself being taken out of a bunker on a gurney with EMT's performing measures on him. Interesting.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

I agree with you guys about flushing (pun intended) these guys out to where they may possibly be hit.

I also think that it served to show to the world that GW isn't quite the uncompassionate soul that some people think. Surely he doesn't want innocents to be killed any more than the next person. If Saddam sought exile, we'd be able to go in and begin to set up a more democratic government. Of course Saddam acted as expected by all.

It's more theatrical! But I was disappointed by the lack of "action" that we saw once the attack was under way. Didn't make for any great TV viewing. Maybe when we reach Baghdad?

I think that cover's it. What would be the difference between 72 hours a week or month. As time went on our tactical advantage went down.

tkd_M119, Thankfully you are not in charge of anything having to do with the liberation of Iraq.