Operation Iraqi Freedom - Day 1 - LIVE THREAD

20 March 2003 | An.American.Expatriate

[theophilusscribe]

This is just a guess, but . . .

They may have some Special Ops confirming last night's hit was a success. Those would have to confirm and evacuate before the "Shock and Awe" could commense.

Like I wrote—just a guess.

[Michael81Dus]

We have full coverage, the Pentagon allowed some of our journalists to follow the war aside with your servicemen.

Some media representatives report from Baghdad and the coverage seems to be neutral as far as I can judge about that now.

[maquiladora]

Because the real offensive hasn't started yet, and it's probably a very complex and highly co-ordinated plan, so if we go attacking some units around Basra now they will be in different positions than we wanted earlier...etc..it means shifting the plan around. At the moment, I think we're doing a pretty good job, responding to the artillery, taking down as many missiles as we can etc.

But I'm beginning to have doubts about whether the airstrikes last night have helped the situation. Instead of shock and awe we had huh and whah? And so instead of starting the war in a blistering, storming manner, he kicked off with hits on 2 targets and then just stopped and let the Iraq's make their moves. If the leadership strikes were a success, then it's good, very good...but if they failed, then perhaps this wasn't such a great idea. But hey, thats life, you take a risk.

[steveegg]

Some media representatives report from Baghdad and the coverage seems to be neutral as far as I can judge about that now.

All we can really ask for on either side of the Atlantic.

[firewalk]

.

[maquiladora]

Scuds aren't aimed

Incorrect, Scuds have a guidance system, but the Frog 7's are unguided.

[GraniteStateConservative]

It's a roll of the dice.

[AppyPappy]

I meant they can't pick out a building. I think they are gyro-guided, aren't they?

[7 x 77]

We have full coverage

Do you have 24-hour cable news stations (e.g., FOX, CNN, MSNBC, other)?

[Dog]

MSNBC reporter saying they were 50 yards from their chem suits when the first alarm went off....these reporters better get there act together.

[Claire Voyant]

If that's the case, those drones and Cessnas could carry all kinds of nasty things.

[null and void]

But hey, thats life, you take a risk.

One I'da taken in a heartbeat. HUGH (sic) payoff if successful. Not much of an increase in risk if failure.

[Quilla]

I can't help but think this war could end practically before it starts. The strategic attack last night may be followed by other similar targeted hits. Presumably spec ops are painting targets as we speak - numerous surgical strikes could take out all Iraqi commnd centers and followed by mass surrender. The huge air campaign may be averted, mentioned and positioned just to instill fear; and the extensive damage to the country we will help rebuild will be considerably less than imagined.

Our guys can take care of themselves in the meantime. A short quick war would be the ultimate victory.

[thedugal]

Sky New reports US spec ops chopper made hard landing on Iraq border. All troops ok, chopper to be destroyed to prevent loss of technology.

[relee]

CNN - Senior leaders may have been killed (presume Iraqis),

I heard a report on the radio that one person was confirmed dead - a Jordanian.

[Oldeconomybuyer]

My hunch is that we have some intelligence indicating that top Iraqi generals and/or leadership may be considering a surrender. Therefore, last nights message was that we are serious as a heart attack and will liberate Iraq one way or the other.

Under this scenario, we would delay Shock 'N Awe until we have no other choice than use a full-bore military attack.

Just an opinion...

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

James Rosen at FoxNews:

 

President Bush began day with a call to Conde Rice.

 

...at his desk by 6:55am.

 

A senior admin. official won't confirm whether that was Saddam last night.

 

Pakistan, France and Russia's negative reaction to our attack last night...President saying he understands, but that we won't be deterred.

 

 

Kofi Annan preparing a statement.

Mr. Annan, (mainstream media, France, Democrats in the Senate, peaceniks) - perhaps you missed the memo: you, Mr. Annan, didn't to do your job. We will. The time for diplomacy is over.

[Michael81Dus]

Jackie,

yes it should be time to stand united - that´s why I´m so sad about the demonstration against that war that took place today in Berlin and elsewhere in the world. And these demonstrations are the reason why I had the wish to express you my solidarity and the support of my party, which is the biggest party in Germany but sad enough not governing today.

Neets,

these guys demonstrating against that war (and they´re in the majority I´m afraid to say) want peace and so they condemn violence, but they mourn of course the deads.
I´ll mourn the coalition victims in particular because they stand and die for our values, which guarantee that we may express our thoughts uncensored.

[Timeout]

A real time blog from a young Iraqi boy living in Baghdad:

LINK