GOOD MORNING BAGHDAD!

April 1, 2004

Now that the U.S. military is on the outskirts of Baghdad (some 4-6 miles away), the questions begin to rise in volume. Is Saddam still in the City? Could the lack of resistance being put up by the Republican Guard be proof of lack of leadership from him? Was he killed on day one? Why has he not been see in any live TV for 13 days?

Why has the 26th Brigade that’s assigned to only Saddam and family been seen leaving the city? Why did Baghdad pre-pay the entire Hotel Cote d’Azur Resort in Syria near the Assad royal family villa? Are they there now? On the way?

The Iraq theory is that Saddam is luring our forces in closer to the city and once within the “red-line” we’ll be surrounded and wiped out. Sounds simple enough; however, I wonder how all that can be done under the microscope of our satellites, U-2 planes, reconnissance planes, dragoneyes, and monitoring devices.

Our Special Ops forces raided one of Saddam’s Palaces this morning (Tharthar) just outside of Baghdad. Republican Guard troops are surrendering in greater and greater numbes like a bus of 53 who showed up at Al Kut with hands in the air. Progress has come at a high price. Late last night we lost a Blackhawk helicopter and an FA-18 fixed wing aicraft: the first plane shot down. FA-18 pilot not found and 7 reported killed in copter crash.

The next few days should prove to be very interesting as our troops actually move IN to Baghdad and start taking things: like the Saddam International Airport!

PS. Maybe a better title would have been “Good Morning Saddam International Airport” as the latest report has all electricity out in Baghdad, and his airport about to get a new name (at 11am CST).

Written by Ernie · Filed Under Daily Commentary