(Ha'aretz) - Ze'ev Schiff The initial American battle plan called for the main attack on Baghdad to come from the north, but the U.S. has instead been compelled to launch its primary attack from the south. The American division (the 4th) that was supposed to enter from Turkey is instead now making its way to Kuwait by sea, and it will be at least another ten days before it is fully combat-ready. It seems the initial focus will be to block the Republican Guard infantry divisions from entering the populated areas of Baghdad, which would make the Americans' battle for the city easier. From Saddam's perspective, the Republican Guard divisions are still intact, and even his regular army has not collapsed. The Americans have neutralized the only Iraqi airfield in western Iraq and have destroyed bridges in western Iraq to make it harder for heavy trucks carrying missiles to move through the area. There is no confirmation of reports that the Americans had bombed either Scud or Al-Hussein missiles en route to western Iraq. The Americans apparently hit heavy vehicles that could be used as missile transporters, but it is not yet known whether they were actually carrying missiles. The current American strategic concept is the application of massive air power based on technological systems and advanced weaponry, supplemented by ground forces, to replace a hostile regime without destroying the country during the war. Yet when American forces reach the outskirts of Baghdad and start the siege of the Iraqi capital, they will face complicated alternatives, including aerial bombardment on the entrenched Iraqi forces in the city, plus ground-force penetration to proceed until Saddam's bunker is reached. Unlike the early stages of the campaign, it will be impossible to avoid losses among the civilians in Baghdad or the attacking forces unless they succeed in a quick and direct strike on Saddam.
2003-03-26 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive