Sadam probably does have these weapons but, has it occured to anyone that he might not? Or that if he feels threatened and does have them he will use them?

There's an old joke :

How do you know when a politician is lying?


....His lips are moving .....  


OK - Sadam is no 'elected' politician (but ..... while on that subject........  stutter .... cough ...  ... )  

Let's just keep this calm. Respect other's opinions even if you may not agree with them (democracy means believing in the will of the people & the right for everyone to behave & think whatever way they want within the law - ) & it won't get locked.  

This is the most toutchy subject posted here in a while & I know there are people watching but not wanting to get involved.  

Because we insist on friendliness & positivity around here this topic is hovering at the cage door.

Remember. This is no public free speech forum. It is a Flight Simulator enthusiasts site & we all know off topics political debate will tear friendships apart - needlessly.

Hear Hear Pete!

I am happy that this subject has been raised as it is vital to a democracy that free speech and free expression is allowed.  I have been impressed that the majority of the posts in this thread have been well thought out and it has had the feel of a debate or a free exchange of views and not a play ground (school yard) argument.  It proves that Ozzy and his colleagues must be doing a good job!

I think we should get back to the origional question.  What will be the Aircraft in operation if the war starts?

I too would like to know what has happened to the Warthogs, does anyone know?

Will

8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)

I suggest we stop politicking and address the original question. I expect the following scenario.
Prior to the commencement of the campaign (and it is happening now) there will be an increase of air operations in the no-fly zones mainly composed of F15s, F16s and Toronados. These aircraft will attack radar sites whether provoked or not to soften up air defense. AWACS operation will be much increased. The actual air  campaign will start with mass flights of cruise missiles, day and night, from ships or airborne targetting radar, missile and triple A sites. At night the stealth 117s and the B2s will do their thing followed by the 52s carrying the new 21K lb. bombs. Target will be troop concentrations and the disabling of all airfields. By this time air superiority has been achieved. The ground war will follow much later. There will be no rush to enter Bagdad or any large cities. Instead, the oil fields will be secured by airborne or commando raids. I forsee mass surrender and/or defection of regular Iraqi army even before the ground campaign starts. I also forsee active civilian discontent against Sadam once they know that the war is not going their way. I'm afraid that Sadam might pull a "Ceasar" as in when he burned Rome. Sadam is not going to commit suicide like Hitler did. He does not have the guts. I believe that a member of his family or one of his closest relatives is going to do him in when the opportunity comes. And just like Japan it will not take long for Iraq to get back on its feet and assume a better way of life.

Zero Bubble

Thanks for dropping in Pete. Good for  morale.........lol.

I think the debate has been handled by all as a debate and there has been no sign of any childish, mean or undesirable posting. I think Congrats to the participants! 

As Brett. H. said effectively, what wil be, will be. There's nought that any of us can do about it, individually or collectively.

My heart pains for two reasons:

1. I truely believe that the Iraqi people are being forced to live in a sub-standard way (losing their lives an many cases) because of one terrible man's meglomania. I don't think that these people are all uneducated enough in their own faith not to know that what he is doing is very wrong. There is absolutely nothing in the Coran about violence, superiority over other faiths or warring and killing of anybody over anything.

2. I am sad, and not a little surprised that so many people cannot see the signs and the eventual result of something that has all happened before. The only difference is that there are more Isolationist countries than those willing to recognise evil for what it is and realise that there is only one way to defeat it, no matter how unfortunate or distasteful that may be. 

try that in Iraq and you'll have an unfortunate encounter with a Kalashnikov

Bet I get a swift kick in the butt for this.

Saddam Hussein must feel like a real sex symbol. After all, he has all of Iraq kissing his armpits. He has several countries, their politicians, millions of protestors and A list Hollywood Celebrities all lined up to kiss his butt. All eagerly awaiting to see what new crap he comes up with. Sorry for the pun...not done intentionally.