The Command Post - A Warblog Collective 08:30 PM EST/4:30 AM Iraq: East versus West
Former UN Weapons inspector with first hand knowledge of the city, Dr. David Kay, gave an overview of the layout of Baghdad on MSNBC.
He noted a vast difference between the Western Sector, which he says has been re-made in a Stalinistic makeover, into primarily a govermental-centric complex with wide boulevards, and wide avenues; contrasting with the Eastern sector, which is more similar to an older middle-eastern cities, with small, cramped streets, and large residential areas.
When asked about the 'safest' route into the city, he referenced the tunnel complexes leading from Saddam International Airfield directly into the rats nest of bunkers and hideouts under the Western portion.
Comment: Aside from the obvious value of the airfield itself, and its position along the axis of advance from Karbala, not a bad reason to seize it, if it indeed has a sheltered direct route into the heart of the regime's operating dens.
Former UN Weapons inspector with first hand knowledge of the city, Dr. David Kay, gave an overview of the layout of Baghdad on MSNBC.
He noted a vast difference between the Western Sector, which he says has been re-made in a Stalinistic makeover, into primarily a govermental-centric complex with wide boulevards, and wide avenues; contrasting with the Eastern sector, which is more similar to an older middle-eastern cities, with small, cramped streets, and large residential areas.
When asked about the 'safest' route into the city, he referenced the tunnel complexes leading from Saddam International Airfield directly into the rats nest of bunkers and hideouts under the Western portion.
Comment: Aside from the obvious value of the airfield itself, and its position along the axis of advance from Karbala, not a bad reason to seize it, if it indeed has a sheltered direct route into the heart of the regime's operating dens.
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