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April 4, 2003

What´s Going On in Iraq?

On March 20, after months of warnings from President George W. Bush, U.N. debates and military preparations, the U.S. began a war with Iraq. The first early-morning attack was aimed at the heart of the Iraqi government and its leader, Saddam Hussein, in Iraq's capital, Baghdad. Hussein survived and vowed to fight on. Last week, the bombing continued. Iraqi forces fought back. More than 250,000 troops are in the region. Here are answers to questions you may have about the war.

What is the purpose of this war?

The goal is to find and destroy extremely dangerous weapons that Iraq is believed to have hidden. Another goal is what President Bush calls "regime change" - removing Saddam Hussein from power and replacing him with a fairer, more democratic government.

Who is on our side?

Nearly 50 countries including Britain, Australia and Poland support the U.S.-led war. More than 45,000 British troops are stationed in the area.

How big is Iraq's army?

Iraq has a 350,000-man army. Iraq's strongest forces are the Republican Guard, Hussein's most loyal soldiers. These 80,000 combat troops will defend Baghdad. Iraq also has between 18,000 and 40,000 Fedayeen, a security force headed by Hussein's son Uday.

Will the U.S. win?

Virtually all military experts agree that the U.S., with its superior weapons and forces, will overpower Iraq. However, Hussein insists that "victory is very close." His view is based more on pride than on facts.

What's the U.S. strategy?

All roads lead to Baghdad. Saddam Hussein has a huge presidential complex of buildings and underground bunkers in the center of this city of 5 million people. Military experts believe that Hussein must be forced out of his stronghold for the war to end.

U.S. and allied forces are heavily bombing targets in Baghdad. By last Friday, ground troops had nearly reached the city. The U.S. had hoped to use Turkey in the north and Kuwait in the south as staging areas for attacks. But when Turkey refused to cooperate, U.S. military planners changed their strategy. U.S. and British troops began to concentrate their efforts in southern Iraq, taking control of key cities like Basra and Umm Qasr. Late last Wednesday, more than 1,000 U.S. troops parachuted into northern Iraq. Tanks and fighting vehicles were also dropped into vast fields. The paratroopers took control of an airstrip, which will be used to bring in more troops.

Will many people be hurt?

Even in a war fought with "smart" bombs that are programmed to find their targets, people are hurt. By March 28, 28 U.S. and 22 British troops had died. Iraq's military losses are believed to be much greater. Iraq claims 350 civilians have died.

Do most people support this war?

According to a TIME/CNN poll last week, 70% of Americans approve of the war and 26% disapprove. Around the world, the war is less popular. Thousands have taken to the streets in hundreds of cities to protest.

How long will the war last?

Although everyone hopes for a speedy end to the war, removing Saddam from power may be tough. Last week, President Bush warned that the U.S. is prepared to fight "however long it takes."

http://www.timeforkids.com/TFK/magazines/story/0,6277,439164,00.html