Today's Early Bird Brief

1,000 Troops Swoop Down On Kurdish Region

[New York Times, March 27, 2003, Pg. 1] The largest paratroops drops since WW II occurred as more than 1,000 troops from the 173rd Airborne Brigade parachuted into northern Iraq.

Republican Guard Units Move South From Baghdad, Hit By U.S. Forces hjuBig Convoy Is Pounded By Airstrikes

[Washington Post, March 27, 2003, Pg. 1] Republican Guard and paramilitary guerrillas units moved south away from Baghdad under the fog of swirling sandstorms in an apparent effort to challenge U.S. Army and Marine forces before they mass enough power to attack Iraq’s capital city. U.S. commanders responded with intense airstrikes and wiped out much of the convoy of several hundred vehicles believed to be ferrying soldiers from the Republican Guard’s Medina Division toward the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.

British Surround Basra, Prepare To Storm City

[Washington Times, March 27, 2003, Pg. 1] Coalition forces smashed an Iraqi convoy as it left the urban cover of Basra and urged the surrender of Iraqi troops who survived the onslaught of allied air power and artillery. British forces surround Basra as they prepared for what could be the first large-scale urban assault in the week-old war.

Baghdad Blasts Are Said To Kill 17 Civilians

[New York Times, March 27, 2003, Pg. 1] Two large explosions that went off simultaneously in a Baghdad civilian area killed 17 people and injured 45. Iraqi officials scrambled to blame U.S. bombs for the carnage, prompting a Pentagon suggestion that the Iraqis themselves could be responsible for the blasts.

War Could Last Months, Officers Say

[Washington Post, March 27, 2003, Pg. 1] Some senior U.S. military officers are convinced the war probably will last months and will require more combat power than is now on hand in Iraq and Kuwait.

IRAQ

A City Is Encircled In A 36-Hour Battle

[New York Times, March 27, 2003, Pg. 1] U.S. forces encircled Najaf after seizing three bridges across the Euphrates River. The clashes were the fiercest for the Third Infantry Division since the war began. Some 1,000 Iraqis have been killed in fighting near Najaf in the last three days.

With Smaller Operation Than First Planned, U.S. Opens Northern Front

[New York Times, March 27, 2003] The long-awaited northern front opened, albeit with a smaller force than originally planned, when about 1,000 paratroopers from the 173rd Airborne Brigade parachuted into the area.

Tactics Show Iraqi Learned Lessons Of War

[Washington Post, March 27, 2003, Pg. 27] Relying on harassing tactics not exhibited during the 1991 Gulf War, the Iraqi military has inflicted serious damage on two of the U.S. Army’s most fearsome weapons, the Abrams tank and the Apache Longbow helicopter. U.S. officials point out that even though some 30 Apaches and two Abrams were damaged, not one soldier operating those machines have been killed. Hundreds of Iraqis died and their armor formations were destroyed in the process of combating the U.S. tanks and choppers.

Allies Adapt To Setbacks

[New York Times, March 27, 2003, Pg. 1] The war in Iraq has become a tough fight. The promise of “shock and awe” air power appears not to have frightened Iraq’s military and Saddam Hussein still holds onto power. But even though the campaign has not produced the swift victory hoped for by the Bush administration, the U.S. military has been able to adapt and control most situations as they occur.

As It Battles Delays, U.S. Eager To Be First To Bring Aid To Iraqis

[Washington Post, March 27, 2003, Pg. 34] Now that the Shatt al Arab waterway has been cleared of mines, U.S. officials hope that a waiting ship loaded with humanitarian supplies can enter the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr today. That could still be dicey situation because the area beyond the port is far from secure.

Franks Looks To Sweeten Image Of U.S. Campaign Against Iraq

[Washington Times, March 27, 2003, Pg. 12] Gen. Tommy Franks, moved by pictures of delighted Iraqi children eating candy dispensed by U.S. soldiers in southern Iraq, wants to change the tone of pictures handed out to the media.Franks told public affairs officers to cut back on the “zapping pictures” of high-tech weaponry and emphasize effort to help long-suffering Iraqis.

Guerrilla Attacks Put Unit On Edge Battlefield grows as Marines push on to the capital

[USA Today, March 27, 2003, Pg. 4] The immediate threat to U.S. troops headed for Baghdad is not Iraq’s conventional forces---it is the guerrilla attacks by soldiers and zealots who hide among the sand dunes and mud huts that Americans pass.

Troops In Civilian Clothes Taking Over Homes

[USA Today, March 27, 2003, Pg. 6] Hundreds of Iraq’s Republican Guard, paramilitaries and suspected intelligence operatives are shedding their uniforms and taking over Baghdad neighborhoods in preparation for street-by-street warfare in Iraq’s capital cit. Iraqi soldiers are also positioning anti-aircraft guns atop homes and parking Jeeps and pickups, with machine guns, in driveways.

Banned Weapons Remain Unseen

[Washington Post, March 27, 2003, Pg. 28] Coalition forces have to find proof that Iraq has bio-chem weapons.

Sandstorm Grounds Copters

[New York Times, March 27, 2003] A punishing sandstorm grounded U.S. helicopters. After the winds die down, forecasters expect it will take 12 hours for visibility to return to normal.

Navy Does Battle With Sandstorms On The Sea Hazardous conditions force cancellation of some sorties from aircraft carriers and make landings even dicier than usual.

[Los Angeles Times, March 27, 2003] Sandstorms stirred up in the desert drift out into the Persian Gulf, making it difficult for aircraft carriers’ warplanes to take off and land.

A Growing Threat To Troops In Iraq: Sleep Deprivation Military Researchers Studying Methods to Beat a Lack of Sleep

[Wall Street Journal, March 27, 2003] U.S soldiers catch catnaps in the sand while their vehicles are refueled. Pilots down little orange “go pills” to give them an edge during day-night flying missions. The fiercest fighting in Iraq lies ahead and coalition forces are already exhausted from a lack of sleep.

American Planners Stick With The Scalpel Instead Of The Bludgeon

[New York Times, March 27, 2003] U.S. Central Command is taking care not to destroy historical sites in Iraq, and the country’s infrastructure, as part of its plan to surgically take out Iraqi military targets.

Analysts Say Threat Warnings Toned Down Guerrilla Tactics Were Predicted

[Washington Post, March 27, 2003, Pg. 27] CIA and Pentagon analysts warned that U.S. troops would face substantial resistance from Iraqi irregular forces employing guerrilla tactics. Those views have not been adequately reflected in the Bush administration’s public predictions about how hard winning the war might be, say current and former intelligence officials.

Iraqi Soldiers Say It Was Fight Or Die

[New York Times, March 27, 2003, Pg. 1] Captured Iraqi soldiers paint a grim picture---they either stood up to the coalition onslaught, and risk almost certain death, or be shot without fail by tough loyalists of Saddam Hussein.

Before Launch, Global Network Collects Data For Missile’s Path

[Wall Street Journal, March 27, 2003, Pg. 1] The Fifth Fleet’s Strike Center, where Navy personnel direct daily salvos of Tomahawk cruise missiles, uses advanced technology to quickly and precisely program the deadly missiles’ attack routes.

Anti-Hussein Officials Rebuke Unilateral U.S. Battle Strategy Dissidents Say Failure to Incorporate Iraqis Constitutes ‘War of Conquest’

[Washington Post, March 27, 2003, Pg. 29] Iraqi dissidents have distanced themselves from the administration’s war strategy, suggesting the campaign against Iraq without involving the Iraqi public opens the way for military problems in the south.

Guerrillas In North Receive Amnesty Offer Agreement with Muslim fighters in the region could ease threat to U.S. troops. Turkey backs off on idea of an incursion, at least for now.

[Los Angeles Times, March 27, 2003] Muslim guerrillas operating in northern Iraq were offered an amnesty by Kurdish leaders. That could work to the benefit of U.S. forces in the area who wouldn’t have to worry about their backsides as the war in Iraq moves forward.

Troops Won’t Be Sent To Kurdish Area, Turkish Military Chief Says

[New York Times, March 27, 2003] Turkey won’t send new troops into northern Iraq, barring a refugee catastrophe or open warfare between rival Kurdish factions.

Army Depots In Iraqi Desert Have Names Of Oil Giants

[New York Times, March 27, 2003] U.S. Army refueling depots in Iraq carry names of oil companies like Shell and Exxon. The Army apparently has little appreciation of the sensitive role oil plays in the war on Iraq.

DEFENSE DEPARTMENT

Pentagon Shuns Name ‘Fedayeen’ For Iraqi Irregulars

[Washington Post, March 27, 2003, Pg. 27] U.S. military officials refuse to bestow Iraqi irregulars with the glory of sacrifice, which is essentially what the “Fedayeen” relates to in the Arabic language. The irregulars are labeled “paramilitary forces” by the Pentagon.

Perle’s Conflict Issue Is Shared By Others On His Defense Panel

[Wall Street Journal, March 27, 2003] Richard Perle has been pilloried because of possible conflicts between his business interests and chairmanship of a Pentagon advisory board. Other panel members have potential conflicts, as well. Former CIA chief James Woolsey, retired Adm. David Jeremiah and retired USAF Gen. Ronal Fogelman face similar conflict situations.

Public-Private Competitions Have Saved DoD $5 Billion Since FY ’00, Official Says

[Defense Daily, March 27, 2003, Pg. 2] Competitions to fill jobs deemed to be non-core by various military agencies and services have saved DoD over $5 billion since FY ’00, freeing up funds for “higher priority programs.”

AIR FORCE

Criminal Charges Possible In Air Force Rape Scandal

[New York Times, March 27, 2003] USAF officials, a day after removing top officers from Air Force Academy positions, said criminal charges could be filed against cadets and officers found to have violated regulations in cases of sexual assault at the school.

OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM

Militants In Afghanistan Fire Rockets At 2 American Bases

[New York Times, March 27, 2003] Militants fired more than a dozen rockets at two U.S. bases in Afghanistan, the second heavy attack since the war in Iraq began. The attacks caused neither damage nor injuries.

MIDEAST

Powell Says U.S. Must Repair Image Secretary of State Acknowledges Negative Portrait in Media Abroad

[Washington Post, March 27, 2003, Pg. 32] Colin Powell, in Middle Eastern television interviews and before Congress, said care must be taken to dispel the idea that the U.S. is a superpower intent on dominating the will of the international community to achieve its goals in Iraq.

ASIA/PACIFIC

N. Korea Ends 50 Years Of Key Meetings

[Philadelphia Inquirer, March 27, 2003] North Korea cut off its sole regular military contact with the U.S.-led U.N. Command that monitors the Korean War armistice. Pyongyang said it is useless to meet with the Americans.

Pakistan, India Test Short-Range Missiles

[Washington Post, March 27, 2003, Pg. 15] India and Pakistan test-fired short-range missiles, a day after each blamed the other for increased violence in the disputed Kashmir region.

NATO

7 Eastern Europe Nations To Join NATO

[Los Angeles Times, March 27, 2003] NATO added seven eastern Europe countries to its membership. Romania, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Slovenia, Estonia and Latvia will become members in 2004 if their parliaments approve the treaties tying them to the alliance.

AMERICAS

Pilots Voiced Doubts About Planes In Colombia Crashes U.S. contract workers said the single-engine Cessnas involved in two recent accidents were unsuited to the Andean terrain.

[Los Angeles Times, March 27, 2003] Government contract workers repeatedly warned that using single-engine Cessna 208 planes made their jobs in Colombia more risky.

WHITE HOUSE

In Speech To Military Aides, Bush Shies From Quick End

[New York Times, March 27, 2003] President Bush promised resolve in a speech to MacDill AFB personnel as he outlined how the war in Iraq was going. He did not say the war was running ahead of schedule.

CONGRESS

Hands Out For Shares Of War Budget

[New York Times, March 27, 2003] Democrats want more of the defense budget to go for domestic security needs and administration officials concede that will likely happen. Airlines want money to help them survive and Republicans see that as a strong possibility. And the commission investigating Sept. 11 needs more money to finish its job.

MEDIA

Unembedded Journalist’s Report Provokes Military Ire

[Washington Post, March 27, 2003, Pg. C1] Phil Smucker is a reporter for the Christian Science Monitor, and not embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq. That independence has put him in the crosshairs of an American general who said Smucker released too much information about U.S. troops’ positions.

POLL

Many Americans Brace For Longer Conflict

[USA Today, March 27, 2003, Pg. 11]

The percentage of Americans who think the war is going well remains high at 87%. President Bush’s approval rating remains at 69%. Most people think the war will take longer than expected to win.

OPINION

Help Iraqi Arise William Safire

[New York Times, March 27, 2003]

Saddam Hussein isn’t stupid. He knows his military can’t defeat American forces. Saddam does hopes that harassing our troops with guerrilla warfare will demoralize America and bring about a negotiated peace, based on the idea that “America can’t take casualties.” We need to guarantee that those Iraqis who rise against Saddam will not only be protected from his thugs, but will be honored later by the liberating force and by free Iraqi officials sure to take over.

The CNN Factor Jim Hoagland

[Washington Post, March 27, 2003, Pg. 21] Embedded journalists with troops in Iraq are not a “weapon of war,” as one New York Times op-ed writer claims. The effect of immediate war coverage on the home front is problematic. Impatient America considers consolation a near instantaneous phone call from Katie Couric or Paula Zahn and airtime to grieve. This isn’t necessarily progress.

Rumsfeld And All The Army’s Men Staying the course in battle Michael O’Hanlon [Washington Times, March 27, 2003, Pg. 23]

U.S. military officials have the same feeling about Secretary Rumsfeld as does most of Europe. He’s arrogant, headstrong and abrasive. Rumsfeld, on the other hand, views most Army officers as unimaginative. That adversarial relationship seems to work---it succeeded in Afghanistan is proving to be successful in Iraq.

‘Road Map’ For Colin Powell Richard Cohen

[Washington Post, March 27, 2003, Pg. 21]

Colin Powell believes President Bush will go to the mat with Ariel Sharon in order to bring about peace between Israel and the Palestinians. First, Bush will have to crack heads in his own administration, and get everybody on the same track for achieving peace in the Middle East.

EDITORIAL

En Route To The First Big Battle

[New York Times, March 27, 2003]

The upcoming first big battle with Iraqi Republican Guards will provide an idea for how long and difficult this war could be.

War Crimes

[Washington Post, March 27, 2003, Pg. 20]

Iraqi forces have already committed a number of war crimes, including dressing in civilian clothes and carrying white flags to ambush relaxed U.S. troops; forcing Iraqi civilians to act as scouts and human shields; executing several American POWs; and, broadcasting POW interrogations on state television.

Birds And Warriors

[Wall Street Journal, March 27, 2003]

Congress should quickly approve Pentagon requests to change environmental rules that limit military training.

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