[Peach]

I read that about the moon, but do you think the Iraqis know this too and then we've lost an element of surprise? How important is it to have total darkness for our planes? Ignorant questions, I know, but inquiring minds want to know. Just don't see us waiting till late Feb.

[Southack]

I wouldn't put too much faith in the whole "Moon is Dark" aspect of our timing.

We've been flying fighter patrols over Northern and Southern Iraq, hitting targets within miles of Baghdad, pretty much on a daily basis each week since 1991, and they still haven't shot one of our jets down yet.

And that's in broad daylight.

Why anyone would want to fight a war against someone who is ASSURED to have 100% control of the skies, the best technology on the ground, and the most Weapons of Mass Destruction in reserve is beyond me.

Heck, Iraq's army is SMALLER now than it was in 1991 when we cleaned its clock in a matter of hours.

In contrast, our smart weapons are smarter, our training is better, and we have more smart bombs than ever before.

Most of the Middle-East is in line for Darwin Awards for hitting us on 9/11 and waking up the Sleeping Giant.

Idiots.

[Domestic Church]

'We don't need no stinkin' new moon...there's going to be such a hot dust storm it won't matter if it's daylight or not.

[Domestic Church]

'We don't need no stinkin' new moon...there's going to be such a frying hot dust storm it won't matter if it's daylight or not.

[boomop1]

I heard about the new moon theory, but the cruise missles and 117s don't need no stinking new moon. Plus as we did before soften them up with a few weeks of bombing the moon them.

[boomop1]

Should be "then moon them", yikes.

[caltrop]

I suspect we're looking at early March. Among other considerations, the British press has reported the 7th Armored Division won't be loading its tanks at ports in Germany until this weekend and will need a couple of weeks on the ground before they're ready.

[slimer]

I read that about the moon, but do you think the Iraqis know this too and then we've lost an element of surprise? How important is it to have total darkness for our planes? Ignorant questions, I know, but inquiring minds want to know.

Here are some interesting links on the phases of the moon. There are times when the moon is barely visible depending on what time and how high in the night sky it rises.

Phases of the Moon

Phases of the Moon and the Islamic Calendar

[PhiKapMom]

It is generally assumed that the best time to attack is during darkness and the new moon cycle. Our F-117's are now in Qatar so am not sure that they will not attack at anytime. F-117's don't need darkness.

Note: The Stealth Fighters and Bombers are almost undetected by enemy radar unless they have advanced radar systems. Depending on what the Iraqi's have been sold, would determine if the Stealth shows up as low profile or not hardly at all. During the war in Kosovo, one of the English spokesman said that you could not see them but that is not true. You can see them during the day as they fly but at night they are black and have a very low profile signal 24 hours a day!