My best guest: 4:30 a.m., 5 September, 2002. For symbolic reasons.
Yours in Christian Fraternity,
Posted on 06/19/2002 7:54:14 AM PDT by Semper Paratus
The much-publicized administration split over the fate of a possible Iraq invasion has given way to adoption of the hawks' timetable and message by President George W. Bush, meaning an October surprise could be in the offing.
The nation's capital has been buzzing with Iraq speculation following the Washington Post article over the weekend stating that Bush had signed an order earlier this year for the Central Intelligence Agency to use lethal force, if necessary, to effect "regime change" in Iraq.
Although the story, which many administration officials believe was leaked by CIA Director George Tenet, may have been intended to show that military action won't be needed until winter (since the CIA is "on the case"), it actually underscores the president's firm commitment to ridding the world of Saddam Hussein's tyranny. The only direction from there is an attack on Iraq sooner, not later. --Continued
I'd have to say it's pretty unlikely (that it will be a surprise), now that they mention a specific MONTH. This reminds me of the stupid CheapTickets.com popup window which brags that it's the best kept secret in travel. Not any more!
The U.S. cannot be totally sure things would change just by assassinating Saddam. Probably one of his psycho sons would take his place. A "regime change" is no good if it's just as hostile as the last. Invade Iraq and replace it with a "friendly regime".
At the very least take over the oil fields in the south and dictate terms.
I've been wondering recently, if there is to be a World War III, what will be the equivalent of the assassination of Arch-Duke Franz Ferdinand, which is largely credited with precipitating WWI? Anybody out there have any ideas on a single incident that would cause a series of escalations that lead to another world war?
I think it is time for Tenet to go. I have no idea why he has Bush's confidence.
Yeah, Arafat welcomes a peace activist carrying a violin case.
So far the only thing GWB has been firmly committed to is the destruction of our Liberties.
No an increase in Security through a lessening of Liberty is not a Good Thing.
And no also to the idea that the "increase" is necessary.
Good.
Not if the never ending stream of articles like this one keep disclosing "stealth" attack plans.
Different world. In Ferdie's world there was no pre-eminent state. Many states were in the same league militarily and no state could assume that it would win or would lose a conflict. When 5 300 pound muscular men start tapping each other, a melee will likely ensue. When the 300 pounder in the group of 110s punches out one of the little guys, the others will decide to be nice or will try not to be noticed. If/when we stomp on Iraq, it is quite possible that further actions will take the form of giving our military assistance and direction to each country's newfound zeal for cleaning out its own terrorists, especially if we smack Kim Jong Il at the same time.
And it does not matter that KJI is behaving himself for the time being. That state of affairs will not be permanent and smacking him down when he is trying not to be noticed will be good "pour encourage les autres."
I have believed for months that with all the "leaks" and statements about attacking Iraq that have been floated, an attack on Iraq may not be the most likely opening punch at all. We might just occupy Saudi Arabia. And the Saudis seem to think that might be a possibility, too. They seem to be immobilizing some of their AQs. Or we could blitz Pakistan. Those two countries have been just as dangerous and damaging to us as any other.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.