First of all, the Turks certainly threw a wrench in the game plan and given that we should have waited, as reports indicate Gen. Franks wanted, until the 4th was in place in Iraq. Rums reportedly overruled Franks on this and Bush signed off on going ahead when we did. Had we waited we would have had our best division in there at the get go and most likely would have had the 9 votes on the Security Council we wanted even if the French had still vetoed. The fears of a summer war would have been no different than what has already materialized.

Next, if we had a force the size of GW1 we would likely be in Bagdad by now. Keep in mind the task at hand is much larger this war than GW1. Sure Saddam's forces are smaller but this time we're fighting for keeps, and Iraq is a much larger country than Kuwait. If the generals wanted a force the size of GW1 they should have gotten it, period. I have no doubt whatsoever in my mind that the first president Bush would have given it to them in this situation. As it is we've been "50 miles from Bagdad" for a week now. If we are still in the same essential position 3 weeks from now Rumsfeld will have a lot to answer for.

Rums denied the reports today that he forced his generals to accept a smaller force, and Franks and Myers agreed. Then again, I'd have been shocked if both generals had verified the article in the midst of a campaign like this. Only time will tell I suppose. Eventually, once Saddam is gone, the truth one way or another will be known.