Free Republic

'CONSCRIPTS TO SURRENDER' Two-thirds of Iraq's conscript army are ready to surrender without a fight, according to US military sources in Kuwait. Two army divisions totalling 20,000 troops based in the south of Iraq are set to give themselves up to Allied forces in nearby Kuwait, the sources told Sky News reporter Colin Brazier. The sources said Iraq's 11th infantry and 51st mechanised divisions were "ready to capitulate". They said troops from the 6th armoured division were also believed to be considering giving themselves up. Brazier, with US troops in Kuwait, said recent intelligence briefings had reported the troops were...

As Washington readies its forces for war in Iraq, a quiet military effort is already under way that is aimed at persuading Iraq's senior military officials to refrain from fighting U.S. and British soldiers. As RFE/RL reports, a quick and "clean" conflict may hinge on the success of the United States' psychological-warfare campaign. Washington, 19 March 2003 (RFE/RL) -- Is the pen mightier than the sword? U.S. war planners hope so. Hundreds of thousands of U.S. and British troops and thousands of tanks, jet fighters, bombs, and missiles may be set to strike Iraq in hours in a bid to...