To: Charles A. King who wrote (8779 ) 2/13/1998 12:04:00 PM From: Hawkmoon Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 13091
Charles, IFF has been implemented by the land-based forces. I became familiar with it while on a TDY assignment that involved the Apache and Longbow variant attack helicopters. Longbow has been designed to incorporate IFF technology to prevent fratricide such as what occured during Persian Excursion I (the sequel is in pre-release production as we speak.. :0) As a student of Mid-East regional issues, I understand and agree with many of your points about Iraq. But the realpolitik that stands at the heart of the issue is about whether or not we will deal with Saddam now, or later, as well as what methodology we will utilize. What is more criminal.... using smart munitions technology in order to undermine Saddams military and domestic infrastructure, both physically and politically, or waiting for him to launch his own eventual campaign against the Kurds, Iranians, Israelis, or his fellow Arabs once he has the means to assert his regional power?? Either way innocent Iraqis will die, as well as many other innocents in other countries. I think we all know that the turn of the millenium will greatly stretch America's limited resources in other areas, particularly Asia and the Korean peninsula, and we need to nip our problem with Hussein in the bud, before he can force a greater crisis in the future. This is the unfortunate reality that has been brought about by our reluctance to spend $.90 on a far more efficient and complete solution. A simple "double-tap" for sake of efficiency and surety. Might be extreme, but do you doubt that he would do it if the circumstances were reversed?? Look at the assasination plot he instigated against Bush. Regards, Ron