Thank you.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
but perhaps Iraq is really unable to mount any defense, and they WILL fold before any serious fighting takes place
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Here I respectfully disagree. Somebody with 300,000 loyal troops, intermingled in a big city with its population that was not allowed to leave, and with the international community ready to scream bloody murder at the first sight of civilian blood is in a position of strength, not weakness.
Communication centers, and TV stations are being bombed, but electricity is not touched. Why? Maybe because they are trying to obstruct internal communications, but leave a means to receive American propaganda. Why would they say that they are having surrender talks with “high members of the government” if they are still going on? Only to create uncertainty, and suspicion among Iraqi ranks.
If this works I agree it’s going to be best for most people, but if it doesn’t (and I don't think it will) the alternatives are far more costly.
