Iraq vows to resist U.S. military action (Read it for a good laugh)

The F-111 Aardvark was a multipurpose tactical fighter/bomber
capable of all-weather interdiction and high-speed nuclear
strike. The Aardvark was one of the more controversial fighters
ever to fly, yet achieved one of the safest operations records.
The F-111 could operate from tree-top level to above 60,000ft.
and could achieve Mach 2.5, the F-111 had a range of 2,500NM
on internal fuel. The F-111 was retired in 1996.

Primary Function: Multipurpose tactical fighter bomber.
Contractor: General Dynamics Corporation.
Power Plant: F-111A/E, two Pratt & Whitney TF30-P103 turbofans.
Thrust: F-111A/E, 18,500 pounds (8,325 kilograms) each with afterburners;
F-111D, 19,600 pounds (8,820 kilograms) with afterburners;
F-111F, 25,000 pounds (11,250 kilograms) with afterburners.
Length: 73 feet, 6 inches (22.0 meters).
Height: 17 feet, 1 1/2 inches (5.13 meters).
Wingspan: 63 feet (19 meters) full forward; 31 feet, 11 1/2 inches (11.9 meters) full aft.
Speed: F-111F -- Mach 1.2 at sea level; Mach 2.5 at 60,000 feet.
Ceiling: 60,000-plus feet (18,200 meters).
Range: 3,565 miles (3,100 nautical miles) with external fuel tanks.
Weight: F-111F, empty 47,481 pounds (21,367 kilograms).
Maximum Takeoff Weight: F-111F, 100,000 pounds (45,000 kilograms).
Armament: Up to four nuclear bombs on four pivoting wing pylons, and two in internal weapons bay. Wing pylons carry total external load of 25,000 pounds (11,250 kilograms) of bombs, rockets, missiles, or fuel tanks.

Saleh said if Australia did not change its position, Baghdad would buy its wheat needs from "European, Asian and Arab countries".

European and Asian countries maybe but considering that the bulk of "Arab" wheat is grown in Turkey and Iran, not bloody likely (source).

Iraq says Baghdad will resist any U.S. military campaign and will "kick the United States out of the region" if attacked.

Saddam must have heard about Clinton's promise to go into the trenches and fight in person. If Billzo were a typical example of our troops, we would have gotten kicked out of Grenada, much less Iraq.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.