[EarlyBird]

Here is a link to an abrigded RealVideo version of the Schwarzkopf briefing:

http://www.c-span.org/iraq/history.asp

Scroll down to the fifth link (PRESIDENT GEORGE H.W. BUSH ON BEGINNING OF GULF WAR); the briefing follows Bush's message.

I've been toying with some what-ifs since the back and forth with Turkey:

What if the 4th Inf Div is already unloaded and in position in northern Iraq?
What if coalition infantry and armored units from Europe have already been repositioned through Turkey to northern Iraq?
What if there are actually more coalition forces in northern Iraq than in Kuwait?
What if all of the diplomatic wrangling is all a deception?
What if the French and Germans were asked to play the role of the obstinate anti-war crusaders?
What if Hans Blix was asked to be wishy-washy in his reports?
What if the security council is really united and determined to disarm Saddam?
What if instead of Saddam playing the United Nations, the United Nations is playing Saddam?

All of the major military operations we have undertaken in the past -- including Desert Storm -- have involved elements of deception. This is how we minimize casualties.

What if all of this "diplomacy" has been nothing more than the Mother of All Deceptions?

It's delicious to contemplate. If true, we could strike at an unexpected time from an unexpected direction with an overwhelming force and take out Saddam's WMDs before he even knows we're there.

[XEHRpa]

What if the French and Germans were asked to play the role of the obstinate anti-war crusaders?

I like the way you think, but I take exception to one detail. I could see the French playing this role because Chiraq is from the "right wing" party and the French seem to have an affinity for these sort of parlor charades of intrigue.

On the other hand, The Germans can't lie convincingly (except to other Germans I suppose), Schroeder and clan are left wingnuts, and their shame would be considered a positive byproduct of this whole affair.

Seeing the French leave Schroeder hanging alone would be sweet revenge.

[Keith]

I like your thinking...only thing that worries me is the southern troop movement by the Iraqis...WMD dispersion retreat?

[Trust but Verify]

It's all a very lovely thought, isn't it? Let's hope you're right. And BTW, thanks for your effort.

[shezza]

Ooooh, I like the way you think!

[slimer]

That's a lot of what ifs but it would be great if they turn out to be true.

[RobFromGa]

If two of the things on your list are true, I will be shocked.