***Operation Iraqi Freedom - Situation Room - Day 9 - LIVE THREAD*** ^

Multiple | 28 March 2003 | Various

[An.American.Expatriate]

Good Morning.

This is the Daily Thread of Operation Iraqi Freedom - LIVE THREAD.

It is designed for general conversation about the events of the day. In depth discussion of events should be left to individual threads - but links to the threads or other articles is highly encouraged. This allows us to stay abreast of the situation in general, while also providing a means of obtaining specific information.

Please have mercy on us dial up limited FReepers! Limit the big graphics, post links instead. A breif description of what the graphic is would help:

Special thanks to null and void for keeping these running on the weekend, to all of you for keeping these threads alive, the AdminMods for their tolerance, mhking for the video links, and, of course, Belly Girl...

[ninenot]

There was also some flapjaw that "the Marines only have enough MRE's for one meal a day." Last night CBS broadcast an interview with a Marine officer on the front. He remarked that 'it's been tough, not much sleep, lotsa movement, taking fire, and the men have only had TIME to eat about one meal/day. That's the source, and an obvious mis-understanding of the facts as reported.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

FN: James Nelson, USS Truman: Watched some Tomahawks launch from the Winston Churchill last night, our guys...big time efforts - close air support for troops on the ground, combat air patrol, hitting targets.

FN - still bringing on "experts" to tell our Generals how to fight this war.

[epluribus_2]

"If we dont take Baghdad this weekend, come this monday morning it will be very very bad for our US Troops.". I would rather be one of our troops there than one of theirs. Where the hell does he get this idea from? Thinks there running out of food, ammo, fuel? Other talking point is poorly planned supply lines.

[Carolina]

Q: Are the Iranians Shiites or Sunni's?

According to CIA page, 89% Shi'a, 10% Sunni, 1% Zoroastrian, Christian, others.

[AppyPappy]

Night has fallen. We own the night.

[Mo1]

should I load up the webcam?

[An.American.Expatriate]

but the chances if that being the only reason are really really slim

Actually it IS the only reason. Chemical Protection is just that - protection. It has no other use.

Whether the Iraqi's are honestly "scared" of an American attack with Chem, or if it is for thier protection from THIER Chem is another matter and a useless debate.

We need the proof. We will get the proof. The Press blowing the Chem Suits out of proportion is sensationalism (see "'Proof' of WMD's found in Iraq").

[r9etb]

My kids want to sneak in under cover of darkness and take it out!

Not a good idea. I think a bit of "advertising" would be better -- say a yard sign planted in the neighbors' yards (close to the windows so they don't get noticed so quickly by the homeowners):

"<--- I'm with Stupid"

[An.American.Expatriate]

Agreed! But I would much rather rub thier nose in some VX than in a Chem Suit!

[Trust but Verify]

I heard on the news today that support for the war is now at 75%, and that 2 out of 3 Americans beleive we are not using enough force!

[steveegg]

That will be harder than convincing the French to fight!

Figures.

[mwl1]

One theory making the rounds is that Bush is shrewdly provoking the Food for Oil program with the UN, knowing that the French will cripple such approval and that most of the UN weenies won't go near Iraq until it is safe.

Therefore, Bush can take the high road, and tell the world, we tried to give the UN a role, but people were starving, so we had to move forward while they dallied.

In so doing, Bush is dragging Blair along with him and creating the precedent for no UN involvement in Iraq after the war.

The more important question is whether our ridiculous State Dept will let France, Germany and Russia have any of the engineering, financial, technology, oil services contracts in Iraq after the war. I am hoping that Bush is so pissed off that he will insist that the new provisional govt, which we will direct, does not award a dime to any firms other than US, British, Australian etc.

[Birdiegirl]

LOL! GREAT idea.

[retrokitten]

"<--- I'm with Stupid"

LMAO! That would be hysterical!

[Carolina]

and the men have only had TIME to eat about one meal/day. That's the source, and an obvious mis-understanding of the facts as reported.

That was on CBS?

[Mo1]

Fox news had some reports on today that our soldiers were seeing some Iraq soldiers wearing chem suits and carrying drums of something

I sure hope they go video of that

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Sorry, FoxNew is the best. Old reporter habits of being first to get the story, and looking for dirt while "not choosing sides" not helpful during wartime.

[js1138]

These poor people got burned the last time so bad, they just can't bring themselves to trust us this time.

Sounds like they're getting burned again, although no one is deserting them. This is just a tough war. the bullies make up about ten percent of the population and have nothing to lose by fighting.

Is anyone else having trouble with "My Comments"? I'm getting incorrect formatting. The text doesn't stay inside the page margins, goes off the screen on the right. Also, the "New Posts to You" doesn't always clear.

[Carolina]

Breaking on Sky: Air raid has hit Ba'ath Party office in Baghdad hit. 8 people killed.

[thedugal]

Baath Party Offuce in Baghdad hit!! WOOOHOOOO!!!!!!!!!