The horror scenario isn't that Hussein visits horrible weapons like this on our troops--the difficulty of delivering such weapons effectively against the type of light, mobile force we will send is immense. Rather, it is that he will deploy these weapons against large civilian targets. Our military leaders know that he knows that he will never survive the invasion--thus, he has nothing to lose and will likely act accordingly.
The delay in moving has been to allow our forces to interdict those units that will remain loyal to Hussein to the end--the ones who can execute his orders. These units are comprised of those most likely to bear the brunt of vengeance from the liberated, formerly oppressed. They, too, have little to lose.
Exhaustive planning is the hallmark of successful wars. The hand wringers in the media grossly overestimate the capabilities of the Iraqis (whose military is roughly 1/3 the Gulf War size and equipped with weaponry that has felt the effects of 12 years of sanctions) and their willingness to mix it up once Uncle Sam starts shooting. Likewise, the media grossly underestimate the caliber of our current weaponry and tactics.
The delay has permitted thorough planning and intelligence gathering that will minimize the loss of civilian and allied lives. The hot part of this engagement will be less than 96 hours.
Our military leaders know that he knows that he will never survive the invasion--thus, he has nothing to lose and will likely act accordingly.Boy, Zebra, I hope you are right. He can not escape justice. Please assure me that this will not happen in this case.
A_R