[VMI70]

Exactly...

...and let me add that containment implies a long term stay of a large force in order to effectively keep SH surrounded. From a practical standpoint, that would be a very expensive proposition.

In addition, over time, our forces will lose their "edge" no matter how deadly the threat. It's the nature of the beast. Therefore, SH can afford to wait until our guard is down and then make his move.

No, containment is not the way to go. When we are in place and practiced, we ought to strike. The Iraqi field commanders know the scope of our current buildup, and they remember the results of Desert Storm. Because of that, I think there is a good chance that when SH orders the use of WMD, they will not comply.

Infiltrators carrying the bugs will cause damage of an unspeakable nature, but it would be nowhere nearly as horrendous as an all out military strike using CB agents.

[Man of the Right]

If I were a Special Republican Guard or Republican Guard commander, I would be in touch with the U.S. regarding a possible coup or stand down on the outbreak of hostilities. The bulk of the Iraqi army will desert, remain in barracks (I don't think they're that well disciplined), or resist briefly to maintain their "honor" (though having lost wars to an out-numbered British force in 1941, the Israelis in 1948, 1967 & 1973) and had their ass thrown out of Iran by the Iranians in 1982 and Kuwait by us in 1991, it's hard to say what the source of that "honor" is).

[ez]

Exactly... ...and let me add that containment implies a long term stay of a large force in order to effectively keep SH surrounded. From a practical standpoint, that would be a very expensive proposition.

In addition, over time, our forces will lose their "edge" no matter how deadly the threat. It's the nature of the beast. Therefore, SH can afford to wait until our guard is down and then make his move.

Good point, we can't maintain that buildup indefinitely.

Meanwhile, while Saddam waits for us to lower troop strength, in the deepest, darkest bunker in Iraq, his scientists work on his nuke.