SHOCK AND AWE
The allied forces have started to unleash the full might of their firepower, Pentagon officials describing it as "A-Day." Large explosions are being reported over Baghdad and the northern cities of Kirkuk and Mosul. This development comes after U.S. and British troops seized strategically important airfields in western Iraq and oil fields in southern Iraq.

Turkey has yet again changed its mind on use of its airspace by coalition warplanes. Earlier in the day the government had agreed to let U.S. jets fly over, but at the last minute voiced its uncertainty over permission, forcing planes already en route to Iraq to detour.


Huge plumes of smoke are seen rising above buildings during air strikes on Baghdad March 21, 2003 in this frame grab taken from television footage. Explosions rocked Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's complex in central Baghdad on Friday, shaking the city with massive blasts. The air strike, the fiercest on the city yet seen in the U.S.-led war against Iraq, came after U.S. officials said they had launched a major air war in their effort to topple the Iraqi leader. (Reuters)

Click here to get to know the men and women of the U.S. Army's 3rd Infantry Division, which was among the troops that crossed the Kuwaiti border into Iraq.
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They didn't listen then and they're not listening now, Sydney Morning Herald - A poignant article from 1990 on the horror of war.

United they fall, The Spectator - Richard Perle bids a fond adieu to the United Nations and its "abject failure."

Danger in the softly-softly approach, The Age - Trying to get inside Saddam Hussein's head. What are his objectives in this war?

Saddam link to Bin Laden, The Guardian - A 1999 article linking the Iraqi president to the terrorist leader.

A prayer for the young, here and there, Cleveland Plain Dealer - A perspective on the conflict through the eyes of a parent.

Upside of the Iraq war, The Manila Times - How the Iraq war is going over on the streets of the Philippines.

U.S. technology v. Iraqi rhetoric, Canada.com - The flexibile and unpredictable allied military campaign could be making the war of words even more effective.

Americans cross their fingers and hope as Iraq war begins, The Sacramento Bee - Dan Walters says for many of us, being for or against the Iraq war is not always a case of black and white.

If Backed Into Baghdad, Will Iraq Use Chemicals?, Newsday - Will the capital city fall easily, or with great resistance?

Iraq: the marketing war, The Inquirer - An examination of the battle being fought on the propaganda front.

Gussied Up Patriots Debut in Iraq, Wired News - How are the new and improved Patriot missiles doing?

Ground Phase Kicks In
At this moment, approaching 5:00 AM in the morning (Baghdad is eight hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time), the city is quiet, the allies apparently pausing in their air attack.

However, the ground advance continues with the U.S. Marines 1st Expeditionary Force, U.S. Army 7th Cavalry Regiment, and British Royal Marines rolling into southern Iraq. Explosions have now been reported in Iraq's third-largest city of Basra which, if captured, military analysts say would be a huge victory for allied forces.


The planning ministry in Baghdad explodes after being hit during the second day of U.S. raids on the Iraqi capital March 20, 2003. The United States attacked key targets in Baghdad, including President Saddam Hussein's family home, with cruise missiles on Thursday, setting government buildings on fire in a ferocious assault intended to topple Saddam's government. (Reuters)

Stay tuned for updates throughout the day and continuous additions to the list of interesting Web articles below, or catch minute-by-minute breaking headlines at Lycos News.
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Peace camp needs to get its house in order, The Straits Times - Is it better to be a strong, swift hawk than a meek dove?

UFOs are Saddam's secret - UFO watchers claim, Stuff - All righty, then.

Web Sites Vandalized With Antiwar Messages, Washington Post - A battle being waged in cyberspace by opponents of the war against Iraq.

Europe Can't Afford to Stay Mad for Long, BusinessWeek - A close look at the shaky economic and political ground members of the European Union are standing on.

Saddam's men, Radio Netherlands - Examining the loyalty of the people Saddam Hussein surrounds himself with.

Benson's View, The Arizona Republic - Some comic relief courtesy of Pulitzer prize-winning political cartoonist Steve Benson.

Forgotten victims of Iraq's venom, New Zealand Herald - A look back at those who have suffered at the hands of Saddam Hussein.

Qatar: The model post-Iraq State?, MSNBC - So what's Qatar? Possibly the ideal political structure for an oil-producing, Middle East country.

Winning the peace is no easy task, The Ithaca Journal - It's not what happens during the war, but what happens afterwards that counts, says this guest columnist.

Victory in Iraq may be hard to define, The Globe and Mail - What exactly will clearly signal the endgame?

The path to war in Iraq: a look back, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle - A comprehensive timeline of events, going back two years, leading up to the war on Iraq.

'Blair played his cards brilliantly', Guardian Unlimited - Tony Blair, it would seem, has managed to win over a few critics in Britain.

War with Saddam? It had to happen--the man wouldn't comply, Free Lance-Star - An earnest op-ed piece written by a 15-year-old Virginia high school student.

Preventive war sets perilous precedent, Seattle Post-Intelligencer - Helen Thomas thinks the world may be less, not more, secure after the Iraq war is over.

'Opening Stages'
President Bush has addressed the nation, telling the world that the disarmament of Iraq has begun. Reports are that U.S. cruise missiles have already struck selected targets.

This will be a history-making war on a couple of levels. First, the number of journalists accompanying allied troops is unprecedented, and the intensity of stories coming from the front lines will probably be unlike anything the world has ever seen or heard before. As well, this is the first war of the Internet generation, so if you've got something to say, or want to express your thoughts and support for our troops, then be sure to speak your mind here or at our Lycos message boards and chat rooms.


U.S. Marine Corporal Brian Shumylo of Dyer, Indiana, shields his face from blowing sand around the landing pad at an air base in Kuwait after arriving by helicopter from a ship. Shumylo is in a unit that helps load heavy-lifting helicopters. The Arabic word on his facemask translates to "Shymylo." (Associated Press)

US gambles on a 'smart' war in Iraq, NewScientist.com - The technology behind U.S. smart bombs.

Why the hypocrites are right this time, The Age - This Aussie editor sides with the U.S. in spite of herself.

The Time for War, GoErie.com - Patience and diplomacy can only go so far with Saddam Hussein, argues this columnist.

Bush's coalition, its firepower and resolve weak, won't pack the punch of 1991 alliance, HoosierTimes.com - Comparing the international anti-Iraq coalition then and now.

Sins of Hussein follow the sons, analysts say, SFGate.com - A look at the cruel and ruthless offspring of the Iraqi dictator.

Iraqi TV derides 'Bush the idiot', BBC - The Iraqi propaganda machine at work.

War in Iraq: Then and Now, Sky News - A military analysis of the differences between 1991 and now.

Gulf War II - a very different battleground, Reuters AlertNet - Another comparison between the two conflicts.

Local Gulf War vets reflect on likely Iraq war, Sarasota Herald-Tribune - Picking the brains of those who have been there before.

Airlines dropping flights in anticipation of war, San Jose Mercury News - How the conflict is affecting travel worldwide.

Iraq in the balance, The Barbados Advocate - One writer's opinion of why Saddam Hussein has brought this on himself.

The silly tantrums of a Super Power, Sify News - An op-ed piece with a look from the outside in at the U.S.

Countdown to War
The world is bracing for impact after Saddam Hussein rejected President Bush's ultimatum last night to leave Iraq within 48 hours. Many world leaders called on Bush to give diplomacy and inspections more time. But France, a vocal critic of the U.S., surprisingly softened its stance a bit by saying it would assist the coalition allies in a war if Saddam Hussein used biological or chemical weapons.


Under a full moon at dawn, a soldier from the U.S. Army's A Company 3rd Battalion 7th Infantry Regiment walks past a line of Bradley fighting vehicles Tuesday, March 18, 2003. (Associated Press)

Spain: No combat role in Iraq war, CNN - Despite siding with the U.S. and Britain, Spain's Prime Minister affirms no combat troops will be sent to Iraq.

US forces around Iraq, Sydney Morning Herald - A breakdown of U.S. troops surrounding Iraq.

Reporting for duty, The Independent - A report on the massive number of journalists from all over the globe converging on Iraq.

On President Bush's speech, SFGate.com - A pool of San Francisco Chronicle readers weigh in with their opinions on the Iraq war.

U.N. Inspectors Look Back in Some Anger, Reuters.com - The evacuated U.N. inspectors voice some frustration over not having more time to complete their task.

Bush charts his own course on world policy, Boston.com - A closer look at President Bush's management of U.S. foreign policy.

The Red, White and True, Newsday.com - Columnist Paul Vitello questions President Bush's plan and offers up his view on this crazy, crazy world.

How long do you think a war in Iraq would last? Post your thoughts and let us know.

First Strike Coming?
War seems more imminent now, with President Bush preparing to address the nation tonight, demanding that Saddam Hussein leave Iraq to avoid armed conflict. Meanwhile, U.S. officials have advised U.N. weapons inspectors to leave the country.

Attorney General's Iraq response, BBC - Britain's Attorney General presents the government's legal basis for going to war.

Cook becomes first UK minister to quit over Iraq, Financial Times - Robin Cook, leader of the House of Commons, becomes the first British minister to resign in protest over the looming war.

Bland words, vivid images wait to nail Saddam's crimes, The Age - A report on war crime evidence being gathered from Iraqi defectors.

Why the U.S. Inspires Scorn, CommonDreams.org - A look at how Middle East nations view U.S. foreign policy.

Truth sinks in on Iraq's streets, The Age - Some descriptions of war preparations going on inside Iraq.

Do you think there's any chance Saddam Hussein would leave Iraq -- or acquiesce in some other manner -- in order to avoid war?

Here are the headlines hitting the wires around the globe this morning:

Azores summit 'last push' on Iraq, CNN.com - U.S., British and Spanish leaders head to the Azores to try and hash out their next move.

Thirty days could be long enough: Chirac, ABC Online - French president Jacques Chirac now says 30 days could be an acceptable deadline to set for Saddam Hussein.

Iraq prepares for war: Country divided into four military zones, Al Bawaba - Iraqi leaders make more adjustments in preparation for war.

Iraq Delays Harm Global Economy, New York Post - An analysis of the economic swings that have taken place during the Iraqi standoff.

Go as you please: Iraq - the unravelling, Barbados Daily Nation - An editorial that preaches taking the middle road.

Do you think Jacques Chirac's 30-day gesture will persuade the U.S. and Britain to wait some more?

Here's a heavier dose than usual of editorials from today's headlines:

Jews and War, National Review

Just the Beginning, The American Prospect

Truth Be Told, The New Republic

Continue backing U.S. on Iraq, The Daily Yomiuri

Legal authority exists for a strike on Iraq, Financial Times

Watershed for World As War in Iraq Looms, AllAfrica.com

Against America? Moi?, The Economist

Interview: Condoleezza Rice Discusses the Administration's Stance on Iraq, NPR

What's your take on the world pulse? Is anti-war sentiment increasing or decreasing? Let us know what you think!

Here are the latest developments this afternoon related to Iraq:

U.S. reportedly one vote shy on Iraq resolution, CTV.ca - U.S. officials believe they may need only one more vote in the U.N. Security Council to back their new resolution.

Tony Blair at bay, The Guardian - A report on the fire Tony Blair is coming under in Britain for backing a war on Iraq.

Turkey's Troubles And How Iraqi Containment Kills, Radio Free Europe - A snapshot of Western newspapers and their reporting on the stances taken by Turkey and other European countries.

The consensus on Iraq, National Post - A Canadian analysis of the motives behind countries that are reluctant to stand with the U.S.

Shall We Go to War?, Mises.org - An exploration of America's history with global conflict.

Postwar Iraq good chance for Japan role, The Daily Yomiuri - Comments from Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone on the Iraq situation.

Even video gamers on the TotalVideoGames.com message boards are getting into the pro-war/anti-war fray.

Do you think the U.S. and Britain will be able to come up with the votes needed for a majority in the U.N. Security Council?

Here are the news headlines that are hitting the Web this afternoon:

US, Britain defer key UN vote on Iraq, The Times of India - In the face of resistance from France and Russia, the U.S. and U.K. have delayed a U.N. Security Council vote.

Iraq forces suspension of U.S. surveillance flights, San Jose Mercury News - Iraqi jets confront two U.S. U-2 spy planes, forcing them to return to base.

Rift over Iraq war threatens old alliances, New Zealand News - An analysis of the discord that's been building up between the U.S. and European nations.

A question of votes and vetoes, Melbourne Herald Sun - A sort of FAQ on how the U.N. Security Council operates.

Iraq War: African States Could Be Wavering, AllAfrica.com - A report on the uncertainty being signaled by U.N. Security Council members Angola, Cameroon and Guinea.

Pakistan says difficult to support Iraq war, Reuters AlertNet - Pakistan, which holds one of the swing votes in the U.N. Security Council, conveys its reluctance to go along with the U.S. proposal.

Iraqi press goads US, Melbourne Herald Sun - A story about the gloating going on in the Iraqi press.

Security adviser quits over Iraq, Melbourne Herald Sun - An Australian senior intelligence analyst has resigned in protest over a possible war with Iraq.

Here's an interesting article from Business 2.0 about the technology of modern-day warfare.

Do you think it's beginning to look like the U.S. and Britain may not go to war without the backing of the international community? Post your comments and thoughts here.

Here's a snapshot of headlines around the globe this morning:

Secret drone 'part of Iraqi chemical warfare plans', London Times - A report on unmanned Iraqi drones, capable of delivering biological or chemical agents, that the U.S. and Britain say Hans Blix failed to elaborate on in his presentation to the U.N. last Friday.

Is Weapons Case Against Iraq Disintegrating?, ABC News - A report from Good Morning America about the authenticity of documents cited by the U.S. ABC has an interactive map of Iraq here.

Russian minister vows Iraq veto, CNN.com - The first strong public statement from Russia that it intends to veto the current U.S./U.K. resolution in the U.N. CNN has a nifty interactive U.S. map showing which military units and divisions are deployed in the Persian Gulf region.

Chretien: Iraq war already won, Canada.com - According to Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien, the U.S. has already succeeded in disarming Iraq.

Why Iraq? Why war? Why now?, Asia Times Online - A guest commentary outlining the reasons for a war on Iraq.

The fig leaf of moral impotence, Yellow Times - A guest editorial from a former Iraqi nuclear scientist who refutes President Bush's evidence about the Iraqi threat.

Here's a detailed profile of Iraq fom the CIA's World Factbook.

And here's another blog from Netizen Steven Den Beste about the war on Iraq.

Now, here's your homework assignment: between the two editorials above from Asia Times and Yellow Times, which one resonates with you more? Post your comments here and tell us why.