News – US Tactics Get Dirtier? Cluster Bombs.

Personally, I’m starting to have more respect for some foreign governments than my own now. But the general respect level is down across the board. What is one to think? Where does one trust and what is there to believe in? all good questions with answers reluctant o reveal themselves.

Tidbits from Iraq: Three solders die in a suspected suicide attack. 2,500 Republican Guard surrender near Baghdad, not independently confirmed. Baghdad Airport has been taken. It shows a fragment of what Iraqis in Baghdad are likely to see when the city is attacked, called a ‘Night of Hell’ by them. Mind you, there could still be spots of resistance as the airport is large. So it hasn’t been made a true safe haven.. if that can even exist over there.

For a general breakdown of the papers, Slate has you covered.

Personally, I don’t think Donald Rumsfeld should be saying there will be absolutely no deals. Taking uncompromising positions is not the way of a right and just man. But that seems to be the general method of the Bush Administration. Taking hardline stances that leave one painted into a corner regardless of what might come.

On the side of looking at potential US plans, I think its safe enough to post about this one. Slate has a leaked bit of info that looks at 7 potential options for a US assault on Baghdad. Mind you, this is options with no indication of preference in a presentation that seems unfinished. So take it with a large grain of salt.

Ever wonder where the term ‘cakewalk’ came from? Explainer gives you the straight facts.

Boxes of vials, powder and manuals on chemical warfare are said to have been found by US troops. The powers and vial contents are as of yet unnamed and they say they’re bringing in experts. Personally, I’d be more open to it if they brought in UN inspectors rather than wholly American experts. I would be more open with British experts than American ones.

If Blair thinks that he can promise that US officials won’t run Iraq he needs to take a closer look at Bush and his cronies. I don’t trust then and neither should Blair.

Think the government should do all it can to catch those nasty terrorists, despite the costs? Read this and let me know what you think after, with the prospect of eyes on everything you do when you go on a vacation or business trip. Ren is not pleased. To add more to your awareness is this bit on the question: Do privacy fears allow terrorism? Talk amongst yourselves.

I thought this was a war of high tech, new smart bombs? If so, why in the world is the US bringing out the cluster bombs, which are some of the most stupid and uncontrollable of high explosive ordinance. These things can, I have read, spread scads of bomblets over an area the size of a football field and have uncomfortable odds of duds and bomblets which don’t go off immediately, but could later. This deplorable act has been well confirmed.

I got a little more respect for Britain now, as they tighten up on trade imports with Israel in response to their generally reprehensible actions. It might not be a lot, but it’s a heck of a lot more than the US does.

Looking toward postwar are a few considerations. Iraqi militia fighters who last the conflict could play the role of sleepers. Indeed, the thousands surrendering could be capable of quite a bit, though I’d wager more on some elements within those thousands who actually like Iraq as it is/was. This sort of thing would make reconstruction a nasty, continuous chore. Added to that are initial steps to getting the US back in with the UN postwar, but there is still disagreement on the details. In so much that the US is determined to hold primary rights to all.

Fortunately, on day 32, the Kurds remain free of being sold out. If anything, that is one ray of light through the dark clouds. Lets hope for more in the future. And if you care to track such things, here is more speculation on Saddam and the stability of his regime.

From Truthout, two pieces. Firstly, a look at the cruel laws of urban combat. The likely result of this drive to Baghdad will be this very thing, which is a sort of equalizing factor in some ways. Lastly, for today, is the letter from John Cory, contributing writer to Truthout and Vietnam Vet, in response to the challenging letter to Truthout from another Vietnam Vet. It’s good reading.

Let the truth out and show it all.

Be well.