Joint Chiefs Study Plan to Invade Iraq

Newsweek press release via PR Newswire ^ | 12/23/2001

[GeneD]

NEW YORK, Dec. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- Under heavy political pressure to produce options for military action against Iraq, Newsweek has learned, the Joint Chiefs of Staff have been looking at a study that suggests putting 50,000 U.S. troops on its southern border; another 50,000 U.S. troops on its northern border; then sending the two forces towards Baghdad in the middle. But planners doubt that even that force would be enough to take the Iraqi capital.

[Cicero]

They could use some creative thinkers here. There were some smart people involved in Afghanistan. I hope that whoever takes charge of Iraq is equally smart.

[vannrox]

(SARCASM) Thank you, Newsweek, for telling Saddam what we are going to do. Thank you, Newsweek, for risking the lives of all of our soldiers in the area. Thank you, Newsweek, for caring more about your "scoop" than the lives of soldiers and their families. Thank you, Newsweek, for helping us know who our true frineds are, and help us to root out Media Moles located deep within our Government structure. (/SARCASM)

[dixierat22]

Creative thinking alone won't be enough. Some major league diplomacy to keep our friends in the region friendly would be a big plus. An arbitrary and unilateral invasion would probably do us more harm than good.

[bonesmccoy]

Don't these looney libs at Newsweek ever learn? From http://www.ibiscom.com/lslips.htm

THERE ARE TEN PROHIBITED SUBJECTS

1. Don't write military information of Army units -- their location, strength,, materiel, or equipment.

2. Don't write of military installations.

3. Don't write of transportation facilities.

4. Don't write of convoys, their routes, ports (including ports of embarkation and disembarkation), time en route, naval protection, or war incidents occurring en route.

5. Don't disclose movements of ships, naval or merchant, troops, or aircraft.

6. Don't mention plans and forecasts or orders for future operations, whether known or just your guess.

7. Don't write about the effect of enemy operations.

8. Don't tell of any casualty until released by proper authority (The Adjutant General) and then only by using the full name of the casualty.

9. Don't attempt to formulate or use a code system, cipher, or shorthand, or any other means to conceal the true meaning of your letter. Violations of this regulation will result in severe punishment.

10. Don't give your location in any way except as authorized by proper authority. Be sure nothing you write about discloses a more specific location than the one authorized.

[a_witness]

The current commander of U.S. ground forces in the region, Lt. Gen. Paul Mikolashek, suggested a few days before September 11 that to take Baghdad and overthrow the regime would require forces "at least at the level" of Desert Storm

What are this man's credentials and track record ?

[zarf]

This is a secret? I think the Bush team knew this was coming out. Psych 101.

[Buckeroo]

Why doesn't Congress declare war if we are going after a sovereign nation?

[is_is]

He doesn't need newsweek to tell him what's up.....the Very public move of the Headquarters move to kuwait was a pretty good indicator of or intentions....not to mention GW told him point blank he would suffer the consequenses of non-compliance with UN inspections

I sense the tide is turning with regards to our "allies" (if you can call them that)in the region.

[bonesmccoy]

What the hell is the administration supposed to do? Ask Tom Dashle if they can protect US interests? NOT!

[Buckeroo]

Aren't we a free society based upon the evaluation of information?

[longleaf]

America's the world's "big dog" and it's definitely proven it can jump "off the porch" and "chase cars" all over the planet but the phrase "biting off more than he can chew" comes to mind here.

Also, you have to figure out what to do with the car after it is parked. I'm not convinced we're going to do anything but "lift a leg" and make things worse.

[Buckeroo]

Ahhh! So let's set a dictatorship and throw away the Constitution. Isn't this what you mean, after all it is efficient.

[meenie]

This could get interesting if our leaders decide to go.

[is_is]

everything GW has done, is doing and will do is within the powers given the POTUS.

Let the constitution work.....if he abuses his powers....congress can impeach him....

[Mitchell]

I wonder if we're going to start to see a change in the focus of the public statements on the anthrax attacks, giving a little more credence to the idea of foreign sponsorship and perhaps starting to put Iraq in the spotlight?

[Buckeroo]

Those losers in Congress completing the impeachment process based upon fact? You must be smoking some good stuff....

[Cobra64]

Why doesn't Congress declare war if we are going after a sovereign nation?

On what grounds?

W made it clear that "we are going after those who harbor terrorists and produce WMD..." He also said that Hussein needs to allow UN weapons inspectors back in Iraq.

See the difference?

[goldylight]

Tom Daschle is in the senate.....Not Congress....