It has begun

JJ Slim · March 19th, 2003, 05:46 PM

Words from the White HOuse. The president will address the nation in 30 minutes.

green machine · March 19th, 2003, 05:49 PM

Let's get em!

WaywardFan · March 19th, 2003, 06:12 PM

Let's roll and God speed.

WaywardFan · March 19th, 2003, 06:20 PM

With daylight just starting, it sounds like they are striking 'targets of opportunity'. It doesn't sound like the initial assault, 'shock and awe'. I still don't expect that until night falls.

Chaplin · March 19th, 2003, 06:20 PM

CNN just said that the first strike in Baghdad was believed to be the location where Saddam might have been.

Ryanwb · March 19th, 2003, 06:27 PM

Could someone post the jist of what the president said? I am stuck at work

Chaplin · March 19th, 2003, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ryanwb
Could someone post the jist of what the president said? I am stuck at work

Take a guess--it's basically the same thing he said a few days ago. Nothing new and nothing specific.

bratwurst · March 19th, 2003, 06:45 PM

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush announced Wednesday night he has ordered the coalition attack on Iraq to begin.

"American and coalition forces are in the early stages of miltary operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger," Bush said.

He said the first strikes were against "selected targets of military importance."

The attack in Iraq early Thursday morning, involving F177A Stealth fighters and multiple cruise missiles from U.S. warships, was a "decapitation attack" to take out Iraqi President Saddam Hussein even before the planned start of the war, Pentagon sources told CNN.

Whether the mission succeeded is not known. Administration officials told CNN the strike was ordered for fear the opportunity could be lost.

Air raid sirens were heard in Baghdad at about 5:30 a.m. Thursday (9:30 p.m. Wednesday ET) about 90 minutes after the U.S. deadline for Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to step down or face a U.S.-led military attack.

In his four-minute announcement from the Oval Office, Bush said the military campaign, supported by 35 nations, would make efforts to spare Iraqi civilians. But he made it clear the U.S. military planned to use its full might in the war.

"This will not be a campaign of half measures, and we will accept no outcome except victory," he said.

The president's address came at 10:15 p.m., about two hours and 15 minutes after the expiration of a deadline he set for Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and his sons to leave the country or face military action.

The United States and Britain have massed nearly 300,000 troops in the Persian Gulf region.

Earlier, Adm. Timothy Keating, commander of the U.S. 5th Fleet, said allied forces were prepared to carry out an "unprecedented" campaign: "If we go, the plans we have are unlike anything anyone has ever seen before."

In the hours leading up to the deadline, about a dozen U.S. and coalition warplanes dropped precision munitions on nearly a dozen Iraqi artillery pieces in the southern no-fly zone that could have been in range of American troops poised to invade southern Iraq, Pentagon officials told CNN.

There was also concern some of the artillery could be capable of using chemical weapons and U.S. planes had been conducting around-the-clock reconnaissance of the sites.

Warplanes also struck Iraqi cable repeater sites and command and control sites. In addition, at least one Al Ababil surface-to-surface missile launcher was struck.

http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/...ain/index.html

WaywardFan · March 19th, 2003, 06:46 PM

It is sounding more and more like that until sundown any attacks will be 'targets of opportunity'. They might move to protect oilfields as well.

So, the main event is still on the horizon it seems.

WaywardFan · March 19th, 2003, 06:57 PM

Following is the text of President Bush's remarks as transcribed by eMediaMillWorks Inc.

BUSH: My fellow citizens, at this hour American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger.

On my orders, coalition forces have begun striking selected targets of military importance to undermine Saddam Hussein's ability to wage war. These are opening stages of what will be a broad and concerted campaign.

More than 35 countries are giving crucial support, from the use of naval and air bases, to help with intelligence and logistics, to the deployment of combat units. Every nation in this coalition has chosen to bear the duty and share the honor of serving in our common defense.

To all of the men and women of the United States armed forces now in the Middle East, the peace of a troubled world and the hopes of an oppressed people now depend on you.

That trust is well placed.

The enemies you confront will come to know your skill and bravery. The people you liberate will witness the honorable and decent spirit of the American military.

In this conflict, America faces an enemy who has no regard for conventions of war or rules of morality. Saddam Hussein has placed Iraqi troops and equipment in civilian areas, attempting to use innocent men, women and children as shields for his own military; a final atrocity against his people.

I want Americans and all the world to know that coalition forces will make every effort to spare innocent civilians from harm. A campaign on the harsh terrain of a nation as large as California could be longer and more difficult than some predict. And helping Iraqis achieve a united, stable and free country will require our sustained commitment.

We come to Iraq with respect for its citizens, for their great civilization and for the religious faiths they practice. We have no ambition in Iraq, except to remove a threat and restore control of that country to its own people.

I know that the families of our military are praying that all those who serve will return safely and soon.

Million of Americans are praying with you for the safety of your loved ones and for the protection of the innocent.

For your sacrifice, you have the gratitude and respect of the American people and you can know that our forces will be coming home as soon as their work is done.

Our nation enters this conflict reluctantly, yet our purpose is sure. The people of the United States and our friends and allies will not live at the mercy of an outlaw regime that threatens the peace with weapons of mass murder.

We will meet that threat now with our Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines, so that we do not have to meet it later with armies of firefighters and police and doctors on the streets of our cities.

Now that conflict has come, the only way to limit its duration is to apply decisive force. And I assure you, this will not be a campaign of half measures and we will accept no outcome but victory.

My fellow citizens, the dangers to our country and the world will be overcome. We will pass through this time of peril and carry on the work of peace. We will defend our freedom. We will bring freedom to others. And we will prevail.

May God bless our country and all who defend her.

bratwurst · March 19th, 2003, 07:01 PM

beat me to it wayward, i just found that on the washington post site and was about to post it!

I am going to go to sleep, I think that there won't be much more to see tonight. Let them stew for a while and think about surrendering before we have to shoot more cruise missiles.

JJ Slim · March 19th, 2003, 07:07 PM

CNN is reporting that more than 40 cruise missiles were fired in the attack earlier.

Dan H · March 19th, 2003, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ryanwb
Could someone post the jist of what the president said? I am stuck at work

Bush: "Saddam - we told you not to mess with Texas. You messed with Texas. Tonight, the war has begun. All your base are belong to us. Vaya con nachos."

Or was that Will Ferrell?

March 19th, 2003, 05:49 PM	#2
green machine I rule at posting Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Back in the Valley Posts: 5,477 A$FN: 1,342 Blog Entries: 2	Let's get em! __________________ adamgreenjournalism.blogspot.com

March 19th, 2003, 06:12 PM	#3
WaywardFan Even Better Than You Know Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Easton, PA Posts: 2,433 A$FN: 3,000	Let's roll and God speed. __________________ Fell deeds awake... Now for Wrath... Now for Ruin... and the Red Dawn...

March 19th, 2003, 06:20 PM	#4
WaywardFan Even Better Than You Know Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Easton, PA Posts: 2,433 A$FN: 3,000	With daylight just starting, it sounds like they are striking 'targets of opportunity'. It doesn't sound like the initial assault, 'shock and awe'. I still don't expect that until night falls. __________________ Fell deeds awake... Now for Wrath... Now for Ruin... and the Red Dawn...

March 19th, 2003, 06:20 PM	#5
Chaplin Shaqtus Join Date: May 2002 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 15,396 A$FN: 2,050	CNN just said that the first strike in Baghdad was believed to be the location where Saddam might have been. __________________ ---------------------------------------------------- "I don't flop. I don't complain. I beat you." - Shaquille O'Neal

March 19th, 2003, 06:45 PM	#8
bratwurst on double secret probation Join Date: May 2002 Location: Santo Poco Posts: 5,678 A$FN: 830	here is the cnn recap WASHINGTON (CNN) -- President Bush announced Wednesday night he has ordered the coalition attack on Iraq to begin. "American and coalition forces are in the early stages of miltary operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger," Bush said. He said the first strikes were against "selected targets of military importance." The attack in Iraq early Thursday morning, involving F177A Stealth fighters and multiple cruise missiles from U.S. warships, was a "decapitation attack" to take out Iraqi President Saddam Hussein even before the planned start of the war, Pentagon sources told CNN. Whether the mission succeeded is not known. Administration officials told CNN the strike was ordered for fear the opportunity could be lost. Air raid sirens were heard in Baghdad at about 5:30 a.m. Thursday (9:30 p.m. Wednesday ET) about 90 minutes after the U.S. deadline for Iraqi President Saddam Hussein to step down or face a U.S.-led military attack. In his four-minute announcement from the Oval Office, Bush said the military campaign, supported by 35 nations, would make efforts to spare Iraqi civilians. But he made it clear the U.S. military planned to use its full might in the war. "This will not be a campaign of half measures, and we will accept no outcome except victory," he said. The president's address came at 10:15 p.m., about two hours and 15 minutes after the expiration of a deadline he set for Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein and his sons to leave the country or face military action. The United States and Britain have massed nearly 300,000 troops in the Persian Gulf region. Earlier, Adm. Timothy Keating, commander of the U.S. 5th Fleet, said allied forces were prepared to carry out an "unprecedented" campaign: "If we go, the plans we have are unlike anything anyone has ever seen before." In the hours leading up to the deadline, about a dozen U.S. and coalition warplanes dropped precision munitions on nearly a dozen Iraqi artillery pieces in the southern no-fly zone that could have been in range of American troops poised to invade southern Iraq, Pentagon officials told CNN. There was also concern some of the artillery could be capable of using chemical weapons and U.S. planes had been conducting around-the-clock reconnaissance of the sites. Warplanes also struck Iraqi cable repeater sites and command and control sites. In addition, at least one Al Ababil surface-to-surface missile launcher was struck. http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/meast/...ain/index.html

March 19th, 2003, 06:27 PM	#6
Ryanwb Banned Join Date: May 2002 Location: Mesa Posts: 32,584 A$FN: 323	Could someone post the jist of what the president said? I am stuck at work

March 19th, 2003, 06:46 PM	#9
WaywardFan Even Better Than You Know Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Easton, PA Posts: 2,433 A$FN: 3,000	It is sounding more and more like that until sundown any attacks will be 'targets of opportunity'. They might move to protect oilfields as well. So, the main event is still on the horizon it seems. __________________ Fell deeds awake... Now for Wrath... Now for Ruin... and the Red Dawn...

March 19th, 2003, 06:57 PM	#10
WaywardFan Even Better Than You Know Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Easton, PA Posts: 2,433 A$FN: 3,000	Following is the text of President Bush's remarks as transcribed by eMediaMillWorks Inc. BUSH: My fellow citizens, at this hour American and coalition forces are in the early stages of military operations to disarm Iraq, to free its people and to defend the world from grave danger. On my orders, coalition forces have begun striking selected targets of military importance to undermine Saddam Hussein's ability to wage war. These are opening stages of what will be a broad and concerted campaign. More than 35 countries are giving crucial support, from the use of naval and air bases, to help with intelligence and logistics, to the deployment of combat units. Every nation in this coalition has chosen to bear the duty and share the honor of serving in our common defense. To all of the men and women of the United States armed forces now in the Middle East, the peace of a troubled world and the hopes of an oppressed people now depend on you. That trust is well placed. The enemies you confront will come to know your skill and bravery. The people you liberate will witness the honorable and decent spirit of the American military. In this conflict, America faces an enemy who has no regard for conventions of war or rules of morality. Saddam Hussein has placed Iraqi troops and equipment in civilian areas, attempting to use innocent men, women and children as shields for his own military; a final atrocity against his people. I want Americans and all the world to know that coalition forces will make every effort to spare innocent civilians from harm. A campaign on the harsh terrain of a nation as large as California could be longer and more difficult than some predict. And helping Iraqis achieve a united, stable and free country will require our sustained commitment. We come to Iraq with respect for its citizens, for their great civilization and for the religious faiths they practice. We have no ambition in Iraq, except to remove a threat and restore control of that country to its own people. I know that the families of our military are praying that all those who serve will return safely and soon. Million of Americans are praying with you for the safety of your loved ones and for the protection of the innocent. For your sacrifice, you have the gratitude and respect of the American people and you can know that our forces will be coming home as soon as their work is done. Our nation enters this conflict reluctantly, yet our purpose is sure. The people of the United States and our friends and allies will not live at the mercy of an outlaw regime that threatens the peace with weapons of mass murder. We will meet that threat now with our Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines, so that we do not have to meet it later with armies of firefighters and police and doctors on the streets of our cities. Now that conflict has come, the only way to limit its duration is to apply decisive force. And I assure you, this will not be a campaign of half measures and we will accept no outcome but victory. My fellow citizens, the dangers to our country and the world will be overcome. We will pass through this time of peril and carry on the work of peace. We will defend our freedom. We will bring freedom to others. And we will prevail. May God bless our country and all who defend her. __________________ Fell deeds awake... Now for Wrath... Now for Ruin... and the Red Dawn...

March 19th, 2003, 07:01 PM	#11
bratwurst on double secret probation Join Date: May 2002 Location: Santo Poco Posts: 5,678 A$FN: 830	beat me to it wayward, i just found that on the washington post site and was about to post it! I am going to go to sleep, I think that there won't be much more to see tonight. Let them stew for a while and think about surrendering before we have to shoot more cruise missiles.

March 19th, 2003, 07:07 PM	#12
JJ Slim Registered Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 313 A$FN: 1,000	CNN is reporting that more than 40 cruise missiles were fired in the attack earlier.

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It has begun

here is the cnn recap