Chapter 14 Summary and Analysis

On August 5, Franks and Renuart brief Bush and the NSC. The Generated Start Plan is executable, but versatile Running Start's preparations are under way. Franks introduces a new Hybrid concept, whose advantages are improved short-term capabilities and pressure on the regime to respond to the diplomatic front. There are risks, including Scud attacks on Kuwait or Saddam either fleeing or "circling the wagons," which is Bush's prime concern. Powell agrees to discuss Saddam's ability to interrupt oil flow with the Saudis. There is consensus U.S. forces will be needed to stabilize a post-Saddam Iraq, war or no war. Turkey, where elections are pending, will not be approached about troop passage. On Phase Four, they discuss the troop size of 265,000, drawn down gradually to 50,000. However, they don't bring up the strategy or philosophy of occupation. Franks concludes with examples of how...