thedrifter
03-21-03, 10:53 AM
Article ran : 03/21/2003
The war in Iraq hits home, again
The “Storm over Iraq” Wednesday night was more like a bolt of lightning. But it was no less a clear signal that war had begun than the widespread bombing of Baghdad in 1991 which inspired that Daily News headline when Desert Storm began.
Before the clock struck 10 p.m. Wednesday — nearly dawn Baghdad time — the United States aimed its missiles toward an enclave believed to be hosting Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein along with some members of his family and several of his most trusted, and still willing, advisers. What we know of the damage that blow struck to Saddam himself or the infrastructure of his nefarious regime is as uncertain as the next hour. That will continue to be so as similar news from the war to liberate Iraq unfolds from thousands of miles away.
None are more aware of this than residents of Jacksonville and Onslow County. They are neighbors of or related to the thousands of Marines and sailors normally stationed at Camp Lejeune and New River Air Station who now find themselves in Kuwait beginning their perilous mission to oust Saddam at the behest of America and with much at stake around an anxiously watching world.
At home Wednesday night, the time-tested signs of war came soon, just before President Bush made his anticipated announcement to the nation at 10:15 p.m. Jacksonville’s normally still busy thoroughfares were cleared of traffic. Stores, restaurants and bars emptied as people returned home to witness events on TV. Those who remained out were drawn to reports from national news organizations on any nearby outlet.
Meanwhile, TV and print media from around the nation began an encampment in Jacksonville, where the moods of tense, resigned and concerned military family members and longtime residents were recorded. In the background, military and civilian machinery to help families cope with what may come shifted into a higher gear.
For those who recall Desert Shield/Desert Storm more than a decade ago, the sights are all too familiar.
But if the lightning strike by American forces Wednesday night tells the nation anything, it’s that the military strategy will be different than the one that left Saddam in power in 1991. According to reports, Marines and special forces have already penetrated Iraq with a promise of more — much more — to come.
So far, the Bush administration is striking a cautious chord, warning that the war in Iraq won’t end as soon or as painlessly as pundits might imagine. That is a sobering but important message for all Americans to understand as U.S. troops take the first steps toward uncertainty.
Sempers,
Roger
The war in Iraq hits home, again
The “Storm over Iraq” Wednesday night was more like a bolt of lightning. But it was no less a clear signal that war had begun than the widespread bombing of Baghdad in 1991 which inspired that Daily News headline when Desert Storm began.
Before the clock struck 10 p.m. Wednesday — nearly dawn Baghdad time — the United States aimed its missiles toward an enclave believed to be hosting Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein along with some members of his family and several of his most trusted, and still willing, advisers. What we know of the damage that blow struck to Saddam himself or the infrastructure of his nefarious regime is as uncertain as the next hour. That will continue to be so as similar news from the war to liberate Iraq unfolds from thousands of miles away.
None are more aware of this than residents of Jacksonville and Onslow County. They are neighbors of or related to the thousands of Marines and sailors normally stationed at Camp Lejeune and New River Air Station who now find themselves in Kuwait beginning their perilous mission to oust Saddam at the behest of America and with much at stake around an anxiously watching world.
At home Wednesday night, the time-tested signs of war came soon, just before President Bush made his anticipated announcement to the nation at 10:15 p.m. Jacksonville’s normally still busy thoroughfares were cleared of traffic. Stores, restaurants and bars emptied as people returned home to witness events on TV. Those who remained out were drawn to reports from national news organizations on any nearby outlet.
Meanwhile, TV and print media from around the nation began an encampment in Jacksonville, where the moods of tense, resigned and concerned military family members and longtime residents were recorded. In the background, military and civilian machinery to help families cope with what may come shifted into a higher gear.
For those who recall Desert Shield/Desert Storm more than a decade ago, the sights are all too familiar.
But if the lightning strike by American forces Wednesday night tells the nation anything, it’s that the military strategy will be different than the one that left Saddam in power in 1991. According to reports, Marines and special forces have already penetrated Iraq with a promise of more — much more — to come.
So far, the Bush administration is striking a cautious chord, warning that the war in Iraq won’t end as soon or as painlessly as pundits might imagine. That is a sobering but important message for all Americans to understand as U.S. troops take the first steps toward uncertainty.
Sempers,
Roger