US ceases U2 overflights as Iraq objects

Foxnews

[Thane_Banquo]

Per Foxnews, US has suspended U2 overflights for UNMOVIC after Iraq objects to flights.

[JustPiper]

POWELL: IRAQ HAS NOT CHANGED By BRIAN BLOMQUIST NY Post March 11, 2003 -- WASHINGTON - U.S. officials are fuming over the way U.N. weapons inspectors downplayed their discovery of an Iraqi drone with a 22-foot wingspan capable of delivering chemical weapons.

They're demanding an explanation for why chief weapons inspector Hans Blix didn't disclose the existence of the illegal drone as soon as it was found - or at least when he addressed the Security Council last week. He disclosed the huge breach only in his written report.

One U.S. official called it "a find that we would have expected to be immediately reported."

A U.N. find that Iraq has modified fuel tanks to allow the planes to deliver chemical or biological weapons also was buried in Blix's report.

Secretary of State Colin Powell said the discovery of the drone "should be of concern to everyone" and "shows Iraq has not changed."

U.S. officials say the length of its wingspan suggests it can fly farther than the 93-mile legal limit.

They will thumb their noses at anything. If they had the nerve for sanctions to be lifted well...

[WxMan2000]

Just for fun...

DEBKA claims:

US may be preparing to pre-empt UN Security Council and go to war ahead of or directly after vote on new American-backed Iraq resolution, after France, Russia promised veto...

[commish]

US ceases U2 overflights as Iraq objects

IOW - we have gathered all the information we need, and do not need to risk any more flights.

[GWfan]

He is likening situation in Iraq to 1930's and Hitler. He is saying we need to ask, 'How long do we wait, and what are we waiting for?' The issue is not about iraqi oil, it's about WMD. The war is a liberating war and to disarm Saddam.

He is good. Note that all comments above are paraphrased.

I am sorry but I have to go to work myself now.

Godspeed to our military. God's wisdom to our leaders. God's protection to all Americans and her allies. God bless America.

[princess leah]

I think we ought to paint the French flag on our planes and then bomb the crap out of them!

[Grampa Dave]

That military satellite we launched in the past few days must be working and doing its job.

[Howlin]

Blix is quite the liar, isn't he? He even said on TV after the secret meeting that it wasn't a big deal. And that they are still "investigating" it.

[Kerberos]

"US may be preparing to pre-empt UN Security Council and go to war ahead of or directly after vote on new American-backed Iraq resolution, after France, Russia promised veto... "

The way Wolfowitz is speaking on Fox just now, that would not surprise me.

[SierraWasp]

"You asked for it... You got it...Toyota!"LIBERATION!!!

[Grampa Dave]

If one really listened to GW's speech last week he basically said that we will go to war after the new resolution is voted on.

If it is vetoed or turned down, GW will go on tv and tell America and the World that the UN failed, and the war has started.

If it is approved, GW will go on tv and tell America and the World that the UN is unable to get Iraq to disarm, and the war has started.

[Blood of Tyrants]

More evidence that Iraq is not complying.

[CROSSHIGHWAYMAN]

I am with you -- they will go with or without the moon -- why telegraph that we have to go on the new moon?

Two cloudy nights will suffice.

[MEG33]

I go to this moonless night scenario for a dose of patience!

[RS]

"Moon or no moon, they won't be able to touch us. "

Tell that to that F-117 Pilot in Yugoslavia -
Let's pray they don't have a box of "Golden BB's "

[Grampa Dave]

Got to this link re this new satellite: (link to launch of new military satellite)

So how will the liars of Reuters, AP, the Slimes and ABCNNBCBS spin this U2 story?

[1Old Pro]

Sounds like some more enthusiastic cooperation on the part of the Iraqis. I guess the French were right, Iraq just wans to help with inspections on the ground and from the air.

[WxMan2000]

FOX just reported that the "undecided 6" at the UN are demanding 45 DAYS for a deadline. This was being rumored earlier...but now seems to be confirmed. If so..it may be bombs away....18 months to the day after 9/11.

[samuel_adams_us]

Suspended U2 flights and getting started with B-52, B-1, F18, F16, F15 and F14 flights immediately!

[maquiladora]

More evidence that Iraq is not complying.

More than that, this is kinda big. The U-2 is an U.N. aircraft, with U.N. markings, while over Iraq. Iraq has threatened to shoot it down we learn....so in otherwords, Iraq has threatened UNMOVIC, so from the U.N. viewpoint, this is a biggie.

[Quix]

So we pulled them to avoid starting the war more overtly now or for what???