Iraqi Gen Staff News Conf: SH Dead?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential death of Saddam Hussein following a recent bombing campaign in Iraq. Participants explore the implications of his reported appearance on Iraqi television, the nature of the bombing, and the reactions of Iraqi military forces. The scope includes speculation about military strategy, media reporting, and the political situation in Iraq.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that Saddam Hussein may be dead based on a news conference from Iraqi general staff.
  • Others argue that his recent appearance on Iraqi TV condemning the bombing indicates he is alive, though some speculate it could have been pre-taped.
  • There are claims that the bombing targeted senior Iraqi leaders, including Saddam, using F-117-dropped JDAMs and Tomahawk missiles, but no confirmation of casualties has been reported.
  • One participant expresses skepticism about the quick capture of Saddam, suggesting that the next Pentagon briefing may provide more information.
  • Concerns are raised about the reliability of media reports regarding Iraqi military divisions negotiating surrender, with some participants questioning the accuracy of these claims.
  • Another participant humorously suggests that the Iraqi military is deploying "Weapons of Mass Defection," indicating a belief that the situation may lead to fewer casualties.
  • Disagreement exists regarding the authenticity of Saddam's televised appearance, with some believing it was a double based on physical characteristics and delivery style.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of skepticism and hope regarding the situation, with no consensus on whether Saddam Hussein is dead or the implications of the bombing. Multiple competing views remain about the authenticity of media reports and the state of the Iraqi military.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various media sources and reports, but there are limitations in the reliability of information and the potential for misinformation regarding military actions and political developments.

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That was quick ---

Al J's news conf. w' Iraqi "general staff" types, 0600 gmt; looks like SH is dead?
 
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Nope, he just went on Iraqi TV condemning the bombing. Did we hit anyone though?
 
Nothing in the TV appearance indicated that it wasn't pre-taped... my bet is that it was.

Supposedly the strikes -- two waves of F-117-dropped JDAMs and Tomahawk missiles -- were directed at handful of very senior Iraqi leaders including Saddam, based on time-sensitive intelligence. No word on whether anyone was killed.

No further attacks yet, either, though there are reports of sporadic artillery fire along the border, and Iraqis beginning to fire oilfields.

My guess is they'll wait till this evening/night in Iraq...
 
I just don't see how we could take SH this quick, wouldn't that be great though! I guess the next pentagon briefing will be at 9:30am est. If there will be any more attacks it will be tomorrow night.
 
Yeah, apparently no one knew about this until an hour or two before the bombing.

Iraqi TV just stopped transmitting, and two of the three Iraqi divisions in the south are reportedly negotioning surrender...
 
Looked like one of the doubles to me --- flabby sagging jowls rather than those chubby, well-fed cheeks, no button popping beer gut, no bluff, no bluster, no rhetorical pounding with the fist (the arms may have been too short for the drama coaches to allow this guy to try that), and the delivery --- SH doesn't read his own prose with all the dramatic flair of a dept. store mannequin. We wait and we see what we see.
 
Originally posted by damgo
Nothing in the TV appearance indicated that it wasn't pre-taped... my bet is that it was.


Listening to a BBC broadcast between 5 and 6 am this morning, I was told that the speech mentioned the exact date and time of the bombing, so I don't see how it could have been pre-taped. Whether or not it was saddam or double is another question.
 
Iraqi TV just stopped transmitting, and two of the three Iraqi divisions in the south are reportedly negotioning surrender...

Who Said So ?
None Of The Iraqi Divisions Surrendered ... Maybe Your Media Is Messing Up With News , Same To What They did When The War with Taliban Was On.

For The Attack , It Wasn't Fast ( Or Happened Suddenly ) , The Arab News Said The US Army Will Launsh Missles To Iraq At 00.00 GMT ...
 
Originally posted by damgo
Yeah, apparently no one knew about this until an hour or two before the bombing.

Iraqi TV just stopped transmitting, and two of the three Iraqi divisions in the south are reportedly negotioning surrender...

I knew it! The Iraqi millitary is deploying Weapons of Mass Deffection!

This is some of the best news that could be hoped for. As was seen in the Gulf War, POW's in American care are well-treated and cared for. If this continues, the loss of life will be much less.
 

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