Big Military Strike Not Soon Expected

Associated Press ^ | 10-5-01 | PAULINE JELINEK

[MichelleWSC]

WASHINGTON (AP) - Administration and European officials are signaling that a major military action may not come anytime soon, even as U.S. troops, warplanes and ships gather in the Gulf region.

Meanwhile, Taliban soldiers were reported Friday to be taking heavy weapons into the mountains of Afghanistan to await an assault.

There were growing signs that the coalition the United States is assembling for the anti-terrorism campaign is still struggling to decide exactly what to do

[dirtboy]

Actually, upon further thought, winter might be a time of tactical advantage over the Taliban. We will control the air. The weather will make movement over the ground very difficult. If we find out where a group is, we send in helicopters and kill them.

During the war with the Soviet Union, the mujahdeen were not afraid of the Soviet soldiers. But they were very afraid of their helicopters.

[Jefferson Adams]

Anybody notice how close "Colin" is to "colon" and how close "Powell" is to "bowel"?

Just a coincidence, I'm sure, but I'm equally sure exactly what he's full of.

[SunStar]

More 'disinformation'?

This is just another meaningless "we're not going to attack, no, we are going to attack soon, no, actually we're not" article.

BTW, thanks for your sarcasm. It means so much to me.

[American Soldier]

Yes if CNN had their way they'd run headlines like "U.S. Special Forces team in Afghan clothing led by Captain Joe Smith of Butte, Montana now mapping out key installations in Kabul -- Click here for live video feed!"

So then 30 minutes later they could have a headline like "U.S. Special Forces team somehow compromised in Kabul -- To be drawn and quartered -- Click here for live video feed!"

[colorado tanker]

Is it just me, or is it strange that the only leaks coming out of high levels seem to say to the Taliban, relax, nothing is going to happen for a while? I guess I'd give this more credence if someone like Gertz who actually knows and is trusted by people in uniform got the story.

[SunStar]

This is good strategy. We should frustrate Bin Laden and wait until spring before commencing ground operations. Betwen now and then, we can take many measures to identify and isolate terrorists around the world.

What? We need to strike now!!! If we don't see an explosion on TV, the world's going to end!!! [/Sarcasm]

[danzaroni]

"It Will be Done on Our Timetable Not Theirs"

Exactly. They know what they're doing. Every moment we wait, it strengthens OUR position, not theirs. We're getting time to build our defenses at home, more intelligence on what's going on out there. More Taliban defectors, more time to put resources in place. We can wipe them out with little effort, why rush into it?

[rwfromkansas]

It took 4 months to do anything on Pearl Harbor. It has been less than a month....give it time.

[madison46]

This is just another meaningless "we're not going to attack, no, we are going to attack soon, no, actually we're not" article.

I see that too AND that is the ONLY thing that keeps me from really flaming the Admin & Powell.

The sarcasm isn't a slam/flame...more of a good natured ribbin' cause you said it so much in the other thread ;-)

[xm177e2]

Uh huh. You know all of this first-hand?

It's my best guess. They'll try to stall him out until Ramadaan, then Bush will have to wait ANOTHER month before we can take action.

[MichelleWSC]

You guys can flame me all you want but ut doesn't change anything does it? Continue if you must:)

[Gatún(CraigIsaMangoTreeLawyer)]

I thought I heard that Ramadan comes at the end of November this year. Would you know the date it falls? Thank you.

[SGCOS]

Anybody notice how close "Colin" is to "colon" and how close "Powell" is to "bowel"?
Just a coincidence, I'm sure, but I'm equally sure exactly what he's full of.

I think your mom is calling you for dinner.

[SunStar]

The sarcasm isn't a slam/flame...more of a good natured ribbin' cause you said it so much in the other thread ;-)

Thanks. :-)

Yeah, we'll all get very tired of these back-and-forth arguments on whether "Bush will wimp-out" soon. I'm already tired of the so-called "conservatives" on the forum who don't seem to be willing to go the distance on this one.

[Jay W]

But doncha just love the chickens-with-their-heads-cut-off running about of these cyber military experts.

No, as a matter of fact they are becoming annoying. Some of the attacks on President Bush on this forum are beginning to border on treason.

President Bush REPRESENTS the United States of America in all of its foreign affairs. He is our REPRESENTATIVE. He is our President. I trust that our administration is going about this the right way. We do not need reckless responses to the terrorism. We do not need clintonism.

I, for one, have every confidence in my country's President, George W. Bush!

[xm177e2]

Harsh winter shortens military action window

[madison46]

That's what I'm wondering. Will the winter work to our advantage or theirs. I mean, just how long does one WANT to survive at 10,000 feet at 0 degrees?? Won't be any long movements between caves.

They did fear the helicopters, but they set traps for them as well. The USSR attacked some area and the mujihadeen knew they would probably attack. They shot down 3 copters as they showed up and killed the rest of the Soviet special forces in a cross fire.

[SunStar]

It's my best guess. They'll try to stall him out until Ramadaan, then Bush will have to wait ANOTHER month before we can take action.

Who really cares WHEN we act? Most Freepers seem to be worried that we WON'T act, which is nonsense.

[lafroste]

Everyday it looks more clearer that Bush is going to do nothing!

More clearer? More Clearer?? I hear that most junior colleges offer adequate remedial English courses. You might consider it while you wait.

[SunStar]

You guys can flame me all you want but ut doesn't change anything does it? Continue if you must:)

This article changes nothing.