Frustration over Saddam's Hussein's longevity can reinforce the theory that the Gulf War ceasefire was premature. By continuing attacks against the Iraqi Republican Guards, we would have precipitated Saddam's fall from power. If this speculation is accepted as a matter of faith, it may impact how future wars are fought. Arguments for extending hostilities another 24-48 hours fail to consider the "fog of war," the military and political constraints operating at the time of the ceasefire, the security of Saddam's regime, and the questionable desirability of Saddam's fall. A potentially costly assault on Basra would probably not have resulted in the destruction of the three or four escaping Republican Guards divisions. Continuing to press the attack in spite of international pressure might have resulted in a backlash from the Arab world, our Allies, and the fragile Soviet Union. There's no convincing evidence that destruction of Republican Guards would have produced the desired overthrow of Saddam by Iraq's ruling elite, or that it would have changed the outcome of the Kurd and Shiite rebellions. In either case, Saddam's fall may not have served U.S. interests.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you will see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
