Targeting Saddam

Washington, D.C.

The Bush administration is considering sending a small invasion force straight for Saddam Hussein and his top commanders. By striking Baghdad first, The New York Times reported, the Pentagon believes it can destroy Iraq’s political and military leadership before it can fire chemical or biological weapons. Striking deep in Iraq would be risky, but would not require the 250,000 troops needed for a full invasion. Before mounting an attack, however, administration lawyers have concluded that the U.S. should clearly link Iraq to the al Qaida terrorist network, USA Today reported. Connecting Iraq to the Sept. 11 attacks, the attorneys said, would enable the U.S. to justify the campaign against Saddam to the international community.