Apologies in advance. My connection is slow tonight, and I couldn’t do a search…
But, why hasn’t Iraq bombarded Israel with missles? This would seem like a golden opportunity to bring in some other Islamic countries into the fray on the side of the Iraqis. The coalition that Bush II has put together is hardly the unilateral juggernaut that Bush I had. Wouldn’t a nation like, let’s say Jordan, who has denounced this attack, be thrilled by Saddam’s action? Or are countries that aren’t supporting the US-lead coalition mearly shutting their eyes to the whole thing, knowing that a Saddam-less Iraq would be better for the long-term viability of the middle east?
I haven’t watched the news today, so if he’s been sending Love SCUD’s over, just ignore this.
Ahhh. Well, that make sense. Except if you believe that Saddam continued to make illegal weapons for the last 12 years (which the US Govt does), I would assume that they would be working on weapons to reach their number one regional enemy.
BTW, I read on CNN a little while ago that Jordan has expelled the Iraqi ambassador, so I think that bridge is just about burned as far as Jordan is concerned, no matter whether Israel is attacked.
Saddam doesn’t give a damn about Israel. The only reason that he wants to send scuds that way is in an attempt to drag them into the war, which he knows would bring all of the other arab nations into it. He knows if Israel got involved that it would get ugly real fast. By launching on them, he hopes to make this war much larger than it is. Thankfully, it isn’t an option anymore.
Firing scuds at Israel didn’t drag them in last time, so it probably won’t this time. So he didn’t risk pissing off some parts of the world by attacking Israel to no gain.
Israel stayed out the last time despite being hit with many conventionally armed Scuds. IMO the only way they could drag Israel into it this time would be to use chemical or biological weapons. That wouldn’t be a good idea, the whole world would turn against them.
Except that Israel officially declared that they would retaliate if attacked this time around. It cost the government a lot of support that they stayed out last time.
Regardless, even if Saddam has tried to work on more advanced msiles, it does not mean he has suceeded. Missile range improvements are usually incremental. It isn’t easy to do all at once. He probably had all missiles capable of hitting Israel over in West Iraq, so likely can’t do it anymore.
Saddam DOES give a damn about Israel. In 1998, he promised Arafat, that as soon as he was able, he’d take Jerusalem and give the city to the PLO, as well as the entire country. Which is why he gives a damn about Israel. I’m not terribly well versed in the subject, but I do remember when it made news, back in 98.
Iraqi soldier in the field: Dude, the A-10’s are as thick as mosquitos out here. You can’t be serious.
Iraqi commander: Fire zee scuds at zee Zionists
Iraqi soldier in the field: Bite me.
Iraqi commander: Klink, you iiiiiidiot.
Iraqi soldier in the field: it’s KALIQ asswipe. If you want to lauch them yourself, you’re more then welcome.
Iraqi commander: Don’t make me come out there.
Iraqi soldier in the field: ooooh, scary tough man. Get real, a pack of rabid camels couldn’t drag you out here. Go away, I’m up to level 3 on my GameBoy.
Iraqi commander: For your defience of the regime I must[sub] knock knock[/sub] denounce your name and that of your family [sub] knock knock[/sub] d’ohhhh, just a minute. WHO’S THERE? [sub]Tomahawkagram[/sub] Who? [sub]Tomahawkagram[/sub] Go away! I am instilling the fear of Saddam!
Iraqi soldier in the field: Dude, the only fear I have instilled is from Nelson Muntz. This level three is a bitch.
Iraqi commander: How DARE you defy my [sub] knock knock[/sub] Orders! WHO’S THERE! [sub]Candygram[/sub] Oooooh. Come in. BOOOOM