This is the most important thing, and the only thing, we can do. The extent of the damage to the population is going to be determined solely by the regime and the thugs, there is little we can to about it. Frankly, if they "rise up" too soon, before we have some ability to protect them, the damage might be worse.
According to reports I've heard, Saadumb designed the newer parts of the city to be "controlled" using his armor. By the end of tonight, it appears we will be in what I've called a couple times, "bombardment position" most of the way around the city. From there we will be able to do selective forays into the city with a pretty good degree of safety, and the attitude of each individual will allow them to take up with us or fight or take our protection as they sees fit. Only time will tell the outcome of that. We will be able to turn the tables on Saadumb, and use the layout of the city in our favor.
I don't fear a great deal of problems with this, though it may take some time, and it is certainly possible the city could fall with a resounding CRASH, though I really don't expect that. Massacres by the regime will hasten that fall, though, not lengthen it.
Other than massacre, the big question for the citizens is still chemical weaponry.
There is one, and only one thing I fear as far as our troops are concerned, and that is those bloody Koronut(sp) anti-armor missiles from Russia. If that is not myth, or they haven't been neutralized, they could be big trouble for our boys.