Saddam dead?

[Jessica 0]

By Greg Miller and Bob Drogin
(c) 2003, Los Angeles Times

WASHINGTON — U.S. intelligence officials said they believe Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and his two grown sons were in the compound hit in pre-dawn airstrikes Thursday in Baghdad, but it is not yet clear whether any of them were killed.

The disclosure offered one clue to why the U.S. military continued to refrain from a full-scale attack, with Pentagon officials saying the Iraqi military appeared adrift and that it remained possible full-scale war could be avoided.

Senior U.S. and military intelligence officials remained very cautious in their assessments of the developments in Iraq, and Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld stressed that the military remained poised to unleash an unprecedented assault.

But officials say they are benefiting from a surge of intelligence from Iraqi sources, and a key member of Congress said the information placing Saddam and his sons at the targeted site early Thursday came from people inside Iraq. That suggests dramatically improved intelligence.

Officials were clearly hoping that the strike on a residential compound on the outskirts of Baghdad might have delivered a fatal blow to Saddam's regime.

“We believe he was there. We believe both sons were there,” said a U.S. intelligence official. Asked whether there was any evidence that Saddam had died, the official said, “I know it's dissatisfying, but we don't know yet.”

Skydiving is for cool people only

[aero04 0]

I hope it is no offensive to anyone, but I hope that is true. Getting the leader the first day?? Maybe then the war won't take a long time like people are saying.

[AggieDave 6]

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Maybe then the war won't take a long time like people are saying.

I don't know how good of an indication this is, but 17 Iraqi soldiers did surrender before the war even started...hmmmm.

--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline."

[aero04 0]

Yep, I bet thats just the first wave. Heard parts of the Republican Gaurd already want to surrender. Aren't these the folks who swore allegiance to saddam? If these guys are giving up already, this will be a short turkeyshoot.

[MC208B 0]

I'm wondering when Batman is going in. I seen a map on one of these threads that showed Batman was in Turkey near the Iraq border just waiting for his cue. So, what gives caped crusader?!?

[Gawain 0]

I am hoping against hope that this is true.

First, if it does turn out to be true, that sends a message across the world about how fast we're prepared to act and how fast we can adapt. Not to mention the depth of resources we may have.

Second, that provides us with an amazing opportunity to get out of there much faster than many would expect...or so I would imagine.

Even if he is still alive, his inner circle has been cracked and he cannot trust anyone.

So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh
Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright
'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life
Make light!

[lazerq3 0]

Yeah but if its true and the war wwas to end ..look at all the bombs that have gone to waste!!! Well maybe we could lash out on afghanistan jsut for kicks and to keep them in check

jason
(oh shut up I'm just joking

Freedom of speech includes volume

[VectorBoy 0]

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I hope it is no offensive to anyone, but I hope that is true. Getting the leader the first day?? Maybe then the war won't take a long time like people are saying.

I wouldn't be suprised if my initial estimate wasn't too conservative. Although we will still have the hatred to deal with ( would anyway ) the loss of innocent life can be kept lower than expected.
I guess when the iraqi's use somalia as an example of America "not having the stomache for it" they can see the difference between our current administration and ol slick willys. Glen

[Muenkel 0]

Hey Glen,

It would be great if we could keep this non-partisan and on the topic Jessica started.

My own prayers are that this is true and that the objective was met a lot earlier than anyone expected. The less devastation to the country, the better. Not to mention the most important...the less casualties, the better.

Peace bro,
Chris

_________________________________________
Chris