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Iraq
Shock and Awe Begins
2003-03-21
Shock and AweDefense officials told Fox News that today is "The Day" -- the beginning of the end for Saddam Hussein -- and that as many as 3,000 precision-guided bombs will be dropped on specific targets in Baghdad.
Both CNN and Fox are reporting this, but nothing's happening yet. I was hoping it wouldn't come to this, as the very idea leads to loud screaming in San Francisco and other pest holes. Guess Saddam's not quite dead yet.

FOLLOWUP: U.S. Begins Massive Air Assault on Iraq

Updated: Friday, Mar. 21, 2003 - 1:20 PM EST.
Huge explosions rocked Baghdad as a barrage of mighty bombs crashed down on the Iraqi capital on Friday, sending up huge clouds of smoke and flame. The U.S.-led aerial attack was heralded by the sound of air raid sirens and explosions, followed quickly by major detonations in the city of 5 million. Many buildings were ablaze in the heart of the city, with towering red, pink and brown clouds rising high into the night sky.
That must be how they teach 'em to describe fires in J-school...
In response, the Iraqis opened up with anti-aircraft bursts which winked in the darkness. Despite the assault, Iraqi radio and television kept brodcasting and electric power remained on — even in buildings close to explosions.
I listened to the live description of this on the radio a few minutes ago. It sounds like the gloves are off. Just don't stop — it's got to be sustained, or it won't work.

CBS Radio also said the 11th Brigade, defending Nasiriya, had been on the verge of surrendering, but then they were reinforced by Republican Guards and the deal was off. Maybe they'll bring the matter up at a city council meeting next week or something...
Posted by:Angie Schultz

#8  tu3031,
They would be the red, pink and brown clowns clouds
Posted by: Dick Saucer   2003-03-21 17:33:09  

#7  And what of...the human shields? The world wonders. HAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH....
Posted by: tu3031   2003-03-21 15:38:54  

#6  Joint war blog, going well at Command Post


Minute by minute blogging at
Blogs of War
The Agonist

Lots of up-to-date information from multiple sources. Better than CNN or Fox News.

Posted by: Chuck   2003-03-21 14:05:16  

#5  It is some big boom stuff, but the power never goes off, so we will keep the people happy if we can keep the damage to the military areas that I bet most Bagdidies never go near anyway. Keep the lights on and the Toilets flushing, guys.
Posted by: Capsu78   2003-03-21 13:21:09  

#4  I've just blogged up why I think Baghdad will fall by Monday night.

Mostly, it's because I think Shock and Awe were never intended to start the war, but were rather intended to end the war. The Pentagon started the troops rolling to have them reach Baghdad just as the bombardment lifted, in order to scoop up the survivors, and take advantage of the Shock and the Awe.

Look for it to be over soon.

http://travellingshoes.blogspot.com/#91136259
Posted by: H.D. Miller   2003-03-21 13:05:18  

#3  Does this mean that Daschle is about to launch his counterstrike- the "Ashame and Sadden" strategy.

(rimshot)
Posted by: mjh   2003-03-21 12:22:04  

#2  Looks like a time on target shoot. Many hits same time. Large explosions rasing clouds into sky. Might have been JDAMS instead of cruise missile.
Posted by: Steve   2003-03-21 12:14:21  

#1  Jeezz, I was watching as what seems to be at least 6 explosions went off at once on what is reported as Sammy's main palace. Another six went in later. Flames coming up. It's gone!!!
Posted by: Steve   2003-03-21 12:12:41  

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