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Pentagon Preparing to Mount Iraq Attack
Monday, August 5, 2002
By Eric Rosenberg
Hearst Newspapers

Retired Army Gen. George Joulwan, former commander of NATO, says troop movements, especially around the Persian Gulf states of Kuwait and Qatar, are the normal positioning of forces given ongoing military operations in Afghanistan. However, he said, "they are also prudent in case there is a mission of attacking Iraq."

WASHINGTON -- Hearst
Despite an intensifying debate over military action against Iraq, the U.S. military is moving troops, equipment and communications gear into the region in an indication that President Bush may order an attack within months to drive Saddam Hussein from power.

Pentagon officials decline to discuss troop movements, but there is little doubt among defense experts and a former commander with combat experience in Iraq that military leaders are laying the groundwork for an assault sometime next year should Bush order it.

Among the indications of attack preparations, according to experts:

-|- Army Gen. Tommy Franks has moved the headquarters of the Third Army to Kuwait from Fort McPherson, Ga. The Third Army would form the backbone of any invasion force.

-|- Army units in Kuwait include so-called quartering parties -- soldiers who plan the logistics required for the arrival of large numbers of other troops.

-|- The Army's crack 101st Airborne Division is being withdrawn from Afghanistan and sent back to Fort Campbell, Ky. The 101st is an air assault division that can deploy anywhere within 36 hours.
(More: The San Francisco Chronicle News Source)
2002 © Hearst Newspapers.

according to sources, a buildup to battle more directly with al-Quai'da is currently underway.

According to the White House, al-Quai'da strongholds include Iraq & Iran.

The proposed attacks will be on many fronts.

I believe Saddam should be expecting dark-clothed callers -- soon...

Dan