White House Sources After Top Level Briefing: Saddam May be Given 48 Hours to Leave

DEBKAfile Security Newsletter ^ | March 17, 2003 | Gioria Shamis and Diane Shalem

[ewing]

Last minute briefing summoned by President Bush is attended by Vice President Richard Cheney, Secretary of State Colin Powell, Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld, CIA Director George Tenet and all chiefs of staff of the United States Armed Forces.

United States President Bush's address at 0300 IST will be broadcast by all networks.

He is expected to anounced that the diplomatic window is closed and Saddam must leave the country immediately.

White House sources report after top level briefing: Saddam may be given 48 hours to leave the country.

[Joe Hadenuf]

Just giving this guy another 8 hours does not sit well with me. With everyone glued to the news, I hope everyone keeps a sharp eye in the next 72 hours for any possible planned attacks within our own borders....Playing the devils advocate, that's when I strike with anything I might have......

[jerseygirl]

I agree. He shouldn't get 72, even 24 hours-but he probably will so that the last of the inspectors can leave. I anticipate Saddam authorizing chemical weapns strike, then slipping out of Iraq to a friendly country.

[Churchillspirit]

48 hours may be enough time for some brave Iraqis to "take care" of him and his sons and save a lot of bloodshed.

[Semper Paratus]

After Iraq's response the President is being advised to drop a time limit.