(Washington Post) David Ignatius - Hussein can ultimately count on the loyalty of only a few thousand hard-core fighters. Once the U.S.-led attack has begun, Iraqi tribal leaders and even the commanders of some elite Republican Guard units will change sides. Intelligence officials said their contacts inside Iraq have urged the U.S. to break Hussein's power by striking at the leadership of his Republican Guards and other units that maintain political control in the Sunni Muslim central regions. "If you can put out his eyes, we'll move," was one recent message from inside Iraq. Hussein's regime is beginning to lose control of Shia-dominated southern Iraq. In the key southern city of Basra, some Baath party officials have tried to cut deals with rebel Shia groups they expect may soon be in control.
2002-09-13 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive