[TomB]

I agree with you points about the buildup around Iraq only being completed recently, but there's another point to remember. Much of the war is already being fought using CIA paramilitary and Special Ops. As a matter of fact, I believe that much of the dirty work is already being done.

So, while we are waiting for the war to start, it has been going on for a while. We'll only see the overt part.

[dirtboy]

So, while we are waiting for the war to start, it has been going on for a while. We'll only see the overt part.

Excellent points. I wouldn't be surprised if, as in Afghanistan, Special Forces are providing the framework for an indigenous uprising, and the primary function of the troops will be to occupy what has already fallen. The Iraqis aren't fanatics, they strike me as the most sane people in the Middle East who are stuck with a horrific dictator. And they have reason to be gunshy - the opposition was hung out to dry after the post Gulf-War uprising. Once they are convinced that we are serious about backing them up, IMO the dominos in Iraq will tumble very quickly.