[Not A Snowbird]

Maybe I'm naive here, but... I cannot comprehend what appears to be suicidal behavior by the Republican Guard. They have to know they're getting whacked. What do they have to gain by continuing to resist to the death of each and every one? My husband thinks it's because they're all on the hook for war crimes and have nothing to lose. Thoughts?

[mwl1]

They either stand, fight and die; or the death squads will execute them first.

[retrokitten]

I agree. They probably know that when the general population realizes that SH is not in charge anymore that the fingers are going to start pointing in thier direction.

There was a story yesterday or the day before about citizens telling British soldiers who the Baathists were (because they had taken off thier military gear and were dressed in regular clothes trying to "blend"). The people were saying things to the soldiers like, "When you leave they are the ones who come to frighten us."

I have a feeling the the US/coalition forces treat the captured RG alot more humanely then the Iraqi people will when they get thier chance.

[Lauratealeaf]

My husband thinks it's because they're all on the hook for war crimes and have nothing to lose. Thoughts?

I read somewhere that there is evidence that the Republican Guard is being advised by the Russians. I don't know if that is true but it could also be that they don't have any leadership at the top. I think your husband is right.

[Cboldt]

I cannot comprehend what appears to be suicidal behavior by the Republican Guard.

Miltary is command from the top. They are following orders, and perhaps some sense of mortal defeatism (rather die fighting than be taken). Most of them, if ordered to give up, would. Failure to follow orders results in summary execution.

Very few of them are on the hook for war crimes. Only the very top of the pile, and those who use civilians as shields, fake surrender, etc. The men in the tanks die one way or the other, until their commander surrenders or is killed.

In other news:

3rd Division cross Euphrates north of Karbala at town called Al Musayyib, about 20 miles from Baghdad. That put them on the big highway to Baghdad. About 5 miles along is Al Iskandariyah, then a couple miles north is Latfiyah, and then, about 10 miles from Baghdad, is Al Mahmudiyah.