NewsMine — war-on-terror — iraq — 2003-invasion — south-advance — before-baghdad — Viewing Item

Coalition might pause before baghdad Original Source Link: (May no longer be active)    http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1049425131015_55/?hub=SpecialEvent3 http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1049425131015_55/?hub=SpecialEvent3 Coalition might 'pause' before Baghdad: analyst By Sandra Dimitrakopoulos, CTV.ca News Staff Updated: Fri. Apr. 4 2003 0:47 AM ET As U.S.-led troops roll into areas around Baghdad, including Saddam International Airport, the question is: Will the Iraq war become the bloody battle of Baghdad? According to Retired Lt. Col. Tom Christianson, military planners are trying to do everything they can to avoid a fight in the streets of the Iraqi capital city, where there would be high civilian and military casualties. One way to do that is to take a so-called "operational pause" now that U.S. troops are at the Baghdad airport, about 16 kilometres from the Iraqi capital city. "I'm sure all the military leaders are hoping like hell they don't have to go into the city," Christianson told CTV.ca News. "By the presence in the airport, taking that airport, it signifies...to the world, that the U.S. controls Baghdad now. "It also allows the Iraqis to think whether they should throw in the towel, and say 'Enough is enough'." Earlier Thursday, U.S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld urged Saddam Hussein's military commanders to help bring about a "free Iraq" by overthrowing their leaders. "For the senior leadership, there is no way out. Their fate has been sealed by their actions," Rumsfeld told a briefing at the Pentagon. "The same is not true for the Iraqi armed forces. Iraqi officers and soldiers can still survive and help to rebuild a free Iraq if they do the right thing," he said. That message might not change any minds, but U.S. troops will make sure they let the Iraqi government know they are gaining control. That includes possibly firing on specific targets with artillery fire. "More importantly, once the taking of the airport is consolidated...you can start bringing troops in," Christianson said. "The runways are still in good condition." However, as U.S.-led troops breach the outskirts of Baghdad, they are facing new threats. For one, he said Hussein is beginning to blow up areas, particularly in the Shi'ite regions, and blaming it on the U.S., Christianson said. "The electricity has gone off for the first time," Christianson pointed out. "That could another ploy that they can say the American bombing caused." "The other concern is chemical weapons," he said, adding that he doesn't think subordinate officers will decide do that for fear they will be prosecuted for war crimes. "Even if they have them (chemical weapons), and even if they have them ready to fire. I don't think they'll use them. "That doesn't mean they won't, but the retribution would be so great." © Copyright 2002 Bell Globemedia Inc.

Ambassador disproves troops entered baghdad Coalition might pause before baghdad Conflicting reports Iraq denies us entered baghdad { April 5 2003 } Iraq says airport retaken { April 5 2003 } No us troops seen Pause is ordered { April 4 2003 } Progress war of words Resistance near baghdad { April 4 2003 } Weary troops end elusive { April 5 2003 } Files Listed: 10

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