NBC News: Regular Army in No. Iraq Already Beginning to Surrender; Little Food, Equipment Broken

NBC News | March 16, 2003 | Fred Francis

[Timesink]

Fred Francis reporting live as I type this from Iraq's Northern Front.

Many members of the Iraqi regular army are already coming across to surrender. They report no food. Morale near zero. Everyone from the highest commanders to the lowest privates that remain are openly discussing plans to surrender en masse the moment war starts.

One commander says he has 27 tanks; only 6 work.

Francis reports that US forces expect near-ZERO military response from Iraqi forces, except from the Republican Guard around Baghdad itself. The reason: They actually think they WON in 1991 because we didn't go after them. (Even though that was by UN fiat, not a military decision.) They will fight, unless they've been shocked and awed, heh heh heh.

[PoisedWoman]

This is a report from Turkey? Iraqis are going there to surrender? Or, where exactly might the "northern front" be?

It's probably true that most Iraqis can hardly wait to give up, but these prewar surrenders could also be attempt to decrease adrenaline in US troops.

[bonesmccoy]

Work the problem.

[JoeSchem]

Francis also said Saddam has Execution Squads lined up behind their troops to shoot anybody who tries to retreat or surrender.

They'll throw down their weapons too, when they see a sky full of attack helicopters.

[POGIFFMOO]

Christiane's a phony anyway....that's not even her real name! Maybe if she used her real name it might detract from her phony sincerity.

[Timesink]

Oh vomit. Chirac just said "The relationsheep between Fraaance and dee yew-esss ees one of LOVE!" Puke puke puke.

[bart99]

I think a lot of Iraqi regulars are ready to 'surrender'. They are probably good people put in difficult positions. Serve or be executed.

The Republican Guards will be our only challenge - except for burning oil wells and chemical weapons (that they of course don't have), and other Saddam trickery. We're ready. Let's roll.

[michigander]

Can't be true. See...

Saddam: We'll Fight US Anywhere in the World

They're trying to lull us into a false sense of security.

[Endeavor]

OK, I turned it from Fox to 60 minutes. Which one is Chirac? hehehe

[MaeWest]

Yes!! Don't stay at a hotel that doesn't have FOX News. Check out their site to be sure before you even make a reservation.

[chiller]

Much easier than Afhany Talibans. 1 week max in Bagdad if no surrender. I give Saddam 36 hours to call it quits..

[andrew1957]

What is Christianes real name?

[bert]

Hey sam.....

Check out the Fox news website. They have a Hotel Guide that tells what hotels have Fox News.

I wouldn't go anywhere next week without an internet connection and Fox News.

happy trails...

[Timesink]

This is a report from Turkey? Iraqis are going there to surrender? Or, where exactly might the "northern front" be?

The Chyron specifically said Francis was in Northern Iraq. I'm guessing it's the Kurd-controlled territory that has pretty much been a country unto itself ever since the Gulf War. Saddam has no control over it.

[Inspectorette]

Sam, did you check Fox News Hotel Finder on their website?

[Patriot1998]

I just heard that the forces are telling the Iraqi troops to go back because the war hasn't started yet!

[POGIFFMOO]

I am NOT in the mood for another "Mother of all surrenders". How boring.

[ewing]

Saddam has pulled 120,000 troops around Baghdad in 3 rings, looks like he is giving the rest of the country up.

[arichtaxpayer]

I feel sorry for some of these soldiers. They just want to live to see the regime change too.

[Severa]

That's the beauty of having kids. We're watching Disney DVDs till they go to bed. (Currently on 'Fantasia 2000') Those were after watching my beloved UofK Wildcats win their 23rd straight game and the SEC championship.

[Dog]

Chirac said what???