““The Iraqi military can in fact generate a force rapidly again,’’ a top official told reporters last week at a background briefing. The U.S. buildup that deterred Saddam last time was largely a bluff. On Oct. 9-10, when Saddam’s tank divisions had reached the Kuwaiti border, U.S. troops and planes committed to Kuwait had not yet arrived. During that critical window, warned the senior officer, Iraq had enough combat strength to advance into Kuwait. The Pentagon fears the deal hasn’t changed the situation.
