ALL IRAQ topics here.

[Laughing Cow]

Hi All.

Just a quick poll to see if you think that the upcoming Gulf War will be long or short.

[Laughing Cow]

I think that the war will be long and followed by a fairly long occupation period.

Why, in order to get rid of Saddam they have to fight a ground-war and those are normally long and dangerous.
Plus, re-supplying ground troops in the field is costly and dangerous

[edit]
Also the ground troops in the gulf at the moment are way fewer than took part in 1991(about 1/2 I think).
[/edit]

The only way I could see the war ending soon, would be if such an amount of bombs dropped that would totally destroy Iraq's cities and it's infrastructure and naturally result in a lot of civillian deaths.
This would still need to be followed by a lenghty occupation to affect the regime change.

[Black Jack]

Experts on this situation are calling for a very quick victory. From anywhere to one week to 3 weeks.

Any additional blood shed due to our long wait IMHO should be blamed on war protesters, the U.N. and in specific France as the longer they kept us tied up in diplomatic round a bout-something the Frence would of vetoed if approved anyway-the longer the Republican Guard had to think of new and dangerous ways to kill American soliders, damage its neighboring countries and its own citizens.

Acutally the armed forces this time around are MUCH greater in terms of military might and technology than they were back in 1991. We are talking LEAPS and BOUNDS. Not to mention a solid coalition of troops and support from Britian, Poland, Aussiland, Spain, Italy, Ireland and Bulgaria (sp?) to name a few. As well as moral support from Japan.

[Laughing Cow]

BJ.

Last time I checked (a few minutes ago) only Britain and Australia (2.000 methinks) actually send fighting troops.

Spain refused soldiers, but like other countries will send in non-combat specialists.

Correct me if I am wrong.

[joedoe]

I expect it to be quick but with a lot of blood spilled.

[Goldenmane]

I operate on the view that "everything always takes twice as long and costs twice as much"...

So I have no idea.

I'm not too sure where the "end" of it comes in. If an immediate withdrawal comes into effect once the blowing-thing-up-and-shooting-people bit is done, then I suppose that would count. But that's not likely to happen.

Occupation... does that count as the war being over? What if there is lingering resistance (as there may be)?

Gah... my inability to draw lines once more makes my brain turn to mush. I'm only really writing this to see myself talk.

-geoff

[Black Jack]

I think britian was around 5,000 troops? Plus other support aspects and gear. The Aussies....???? I do know the polish are sending troops.

For exact numbers my best bet Cow would be to give it tell the start date and just watch as anything else will be a guess between fiscal numbers, troops vrs other kinds of support, and actual times that countries will touch ground so to speak.

From one day to the next it could change...maybe 2,000 from the aussies one day to a boost of 5,000 the next.

[joedoe]

The Aussies have sent 2000 people, of which there are 150 SAS troops, and a squadron of FA-18 fighters, plus support crews etc. There is also at least 1 warship assisting in pastrolling the Gulf.

I thought the UK had sent something like 50000-75000 troops?

The decision to send troops has raised hell over here, and I am guessing it would be in the UK as well. Much as I dislike the idea of war, I think it is time now to stop the wrangling and wish our troops the best of luck. I would hate to see the troops that are over there feeling like they do not have the support of their people when they are putting their lives on the line.

[Serpent]

The only countries committing actual fighting troops are the US, the UK and 2,000 ground forces plus some hardware from Australia.

[Laughing Cow]

BJ.

I agree it is still very open. I think one of the big deciding factors will be upcoming vote in turkey about what level of support they give.
Many countries will wait on this before deciding.

Have to agree with Goldenmane, about
"everything taking twice as long, nd costing twice as much".

From a recent newspaper article I noticed that the Apaches are getting probs with their rotor blades due to the sand and need to be inspected, serviced fter every flight now.
The sand is pitting the Blades and causing holes to appear long the edges, crews are stuggling to get hold of Tape or paint to cover them.

I also hear that the Soldiers in the Gulf already been issued with "White Gold", and similar stuff.

Cheers.

[Goldenmane]

Just saw a report touching on the mechanical problems they're having over there. Seems some of the equipment (tanks, etc) is overheating and breaking down due to dust/sand.

And the soldiers and media/observers, etc. have all been issued with personal morphine syringes. Just thought I'd add that, though it has no real bearing.

-geoff

[Royal Dragon]

Hi, I'm in a rush and can't read the whole thread.

I'm saying Fast war, but long occupation.

[Laughing Cow]

Joedoe.

I think you are close:

Feb. 7th UK-Troops numbered 42.000.

Plenty of other country also sending people like chemical warfare experts, Doctors, etc.

[rogue]

Bush on in a few minutes.

[Budokan]

Yep. I'm off to watch the war on CNN. You boys take care and I'll see you in a coupla days...