[fogarty]

If Rumsfeld and the Pentagon planners are actually thinking of taking Baghdad in a MOUT style campaign, then expect casualties big-time. Even in the best training Marine units, we saw simulated casualties of no less than 25% of an invading force.

We are fools if we attack Saddam at his strong point (Baghdad) with simple ground forces. Much better to lay seige - or even better attack his weak points and undermine his will to fight.

A MOUT campaign accomplishes little and risks much. To hear generals talk about it in this article should be a warning flag to anyone.

[Shermy]

"If Rumsfeld and the Pentagon planners are actually thinking of taking Baghdad in a MOUT style campaign, then expect casualties big-time. Even in the best training Marine units, we saw simulated casualties of no less than 25% of an invading force."

Perhaps the whole country will "surrender" or call themselves the equivalent of open cities. Perhaps Hussein-dependent elements will hole up in Tikrit, and that's where an urban battle may occur.

Just my guess.