Chapter 10 Summary and Analysis

Iraq is in Saul's hands. CIA sources there are limited and peripheral, with few Iraqis willing to spy for even $5,000-$10,000 a month when detection means torture for the entire family. On February 16, Bush authorizes the CIA to support the Iraqi opposition, conduct sabotage, coordinate intelligence gathering with third countries, disseminate both information and disinformation, and disrupt financial and WMD operations. Many volunteer, and the first survey team is inserted February 20 to prepare the way for paramilitary teams, the Northern Iraq Liaison Elements (NILE), which will prove pivotal in infiltrating Saddam's most strategic resources.

On February 28, Franks presents data on 4,000 possible targets, a leap forward from abstract planning. Rumsfeld is pleased with the large number, and prioritizes those that most cripple Saddam - command and control, communications, leadership nodes, and crack military units. Franks recommends someone in the White House coordinate...