While there's not an exact warning (as there was during the Clinton years), there's enough of a heads-up given to let folks know what's coming. And if someone is in a position to read the tea leaves, they'll at least get an idea. And yes, that means that someone in Saddam's camp could get an idea as well. So you have to play your hand carefully.
No matter what you may think, the press' role in this thing is crucial. Not only that, this president is one of the best chess (or is it Risk?) players in a looooong time.