U.S. Weighs Iraq Attack Without Allies
W A S H I N G T O N, Aug. 21 -- There are now so many American friends and allies who are expressing opposition to a U.S.-led invasion of Iraq that military sources say it could limit American options in how to fight such a war — perhaps leading to higher U.S. casualties.
During the Persian Gulf War in 1991, 11 of the 23 air bases the United States used were in Saudi Arabia. Now the Saudi government is saying the United States cannot use the bases if there is another war. Unanswered is whether the Saudis would even allow the use of their airspace — considered crucial for any U.S. military option.
The most important U.S. naval facility in the region is in Bahrain. Now the ruler of Bahrain, Sheik Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, is saying he opposes war against Iraq. It's unclear what restrictions he might impose on using Bahrain's port.
Two other allies that share a border with Iraq are also considered doubtful. Jordan's King Abdullah II called the idea of a U.S. invasion "ludicrous." There is increasing pressure on Turkey from the European Union and domestic political parties not to cooperate with the United States.
"It restricts the kind of operations you can have, the kind of forces you can bring to bear and the kind of mass you will need to overwhelm the Iraqi capabilities," said Ivo Daalder of the Brookings Institution, a Washington-based think tank.
Limited Options Could Mean Higher Death Rates
By limiting options, military officials say, a military campaign becomes more predictable, and easier for an enemy to counter. Military officers worry that could cause a sharp increase in American casualties.
The United States does have important allies who appear to be standing firm — Kuwait, Qatar and Oman — though none have expressed outright support. U.S. officials say those three countries are being counted on. And outside the region, Australia and Britain have been outspoken in their support.
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, visiting U.S. troops at Fort Hood, Texas, today, reminded his audience, "The president has made no such decision to go to war with Iraq." Rumsfeld then paused, then added: "He is thinking about it."
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