***Operation Iraqi Freedom - Situation Room - Day 19 - LIVE THREAD***

Multiple ^ | April 7, 2003 | Various

[Warren_Piece]

Has anybody noticed how giddy all the analysts seem to be? There's just a mood in the air that wasn't even there on the 19th. I'm getting ready to crack open a Michelob Ultra!

[Anomaly in Illinois]

I think it's possible we did get him that first night, but for strategic reasons, could not announce his death until we had further control of the country.

[CurlyBill]

If Baghdad Bob was at the meeting....he made a big mistake!

They have reported this as a major meeting... You have to wonder if Baghdad Bob was indeed there, along with Tariq Aziz. It will be very interesting what the Iraqi spin is tomorrow .... if there is someone left to spin it!

[hoosiermama]

Do you see the thread the other evening about bury the bodies in pig skin?

[Tree of Liberty]

I agree, we've got friends there, but I mean actual U.S. military in enough force to actually start digging through the mangled concrete and rebar.

[Howlin]

They think they got him; waiting for body confirmation. Maybe the sons, too.

It's gonna be a LONG night, Mo.

[Poser]

7000 would be very cool, but I doubt we'll reach it.

[Cboldt]

Even if the "We just got Saddam and 2 sons" story is pure bullshit, it will play on the street, and affect the festivities at daybreak. Shock and awe. This is shock and awe. Humans are slow to register their surroundings, and we are working the minds like crazy. The enemy is screwed.

[LiveFreeOrDie2001]

I heard Baghdad Bob say "It's Illusions, All Illusions"

:)

[meyer]

I'm hoping you're right. That much fertilizer with so little farm land does seem a bit of a stretch.

Particularly considering the climate in that part of Iraq.

[Aaron0617]

Let's give up already on the "The U.S. may have gotten Saddam and his sons!" thing until we see the living proof that they are dead.

My first thought too, but how did they know where Chemical Ali was? They were certain of that.

I think they got him this time.

[weatherFrEaK]

Watching the news now is just as it was the first day...We "believe" we got him, we had "reliable sources" on the ground. This isn't going to convince the people it needs to convince the most, the Iraqis.

[Extremist]

"No No, Saddam's not dead. As a matter of fact the Coallition troops are nowhere near Baghdad! What do you mean "look over my shoulder?" I will not fall for that one again!!"

[crobnson]

They did exactly the same thing they did to take out Chemical Ali. It worked then, I feel confident it worked this time too. Thank goodness for the Iraqi people who are willing to help.

[Sacajaweau]

What I just heard was that POSSIBLY:

Chemical Ali was killed yesterday

Saddam & sons were killed a little while ago.

No one is saying it's definite in either case.

Until it comes from our big boys, I'll just dream.

[Green]

I doubt he felt he needed to prove to US he was alive. And he probably didn't need a current newspaper in front of him to prove to the Iraqis he was alive.

He has instilled such fear in the Iraqis that seeing videos of him probably scares them into doing what he says. Having one of his known speakers speak for him was sufficient for the Iraqis. Those appearances that were broadcast showing him weren't for us, they were for the Iraqis and the Arab world.

[Lady Jag]

All I'll say to that is; then why hasn't Saddam bothered to release just one video holding up a current newspaper rather than those edited and old clips?

Because he hadn't printed issues for these dates?

[ztiworoh]

nope

[TrexDogs]

Hope it wasn't another double.

I hope is was! I so want for them to uncover his stinkin' body from that first night. The kickoff strike aimed at cutting off the leadership was a masterstroke. Not that it will matter a whit when they really got him, and this will go down as the best military campaign and strategy in history regardless. But the symbolism would be the icing on the cake for the history books.

[condi2008]

The B-1 is my favorite; when we hear them taking off from our friendly neighborhood AF Base, they're so easily identifiable by sound. Makes you wanta run outside & shout!