St. Louis Post-Dispatch from St. Louis, Missouri • Page 20

Of 5DEC17 oi is WM bjl yktfgffijjw tSKKbPv' Vol. 120, No. 351 1998 50t 5 Thursday, December 17, 1998 THE ATTACK ON IRAQ Md tel. t(D 3t LJ vJJ THE AIRSTRIKES THE PRESIDENCY 11 iNlir ia. -aw 'i inn n- I I I I hii i in.

nn.ni.n iiimi.h -i THE ASSOCIATED PRESS President Bill Clinton addresses the nation Wednesday about the attack. What is the justification for bombing now? President Bill Clinton went on national television to tell the American people that he had ordered an attack on Iraq. He said the timing of the airstrikes was driven by the need to head off an Iraqi buildup, to reinforce American military credibility, to punish Iraqi President Saddam Hussein swiftly for his defiance and to avoid starting military action during the monthlong Muslim observance of Ramadan, which begins this weekend. MORE ON A10 How does this affect the impeachment process? The immediate effect was to postpone the House debate scheduled for today on impeachment. House members had been called back to Washington for the impeachment vote.

Late Wednesday, incoming House Speaker Bob Livingston asked them to stay in town for "further action, possibly Friday, possibly Saturday, but within the near future." Rep. Gerald Solomon, said: "Never underestimate a desperate president. This time he means business. What option is left for getting impeachment off the front page and maybe even postponed?" MORE ON A9 What is the political effect on an embattled president? Critics say Clinton acted in "Wag the Dog" fashion simply to divert the public's attention from impeachmentSupporters of the action say Clinton averted a further weakening of his stature by standing up to Saddam. They noted that just last month, Clinton canceled airstrikes against Iraq at the eleventh hour.

"This is a time for our whole country to come together behind our military and our president," House Democratic leader Richard Gephardt said. MORE ON A8 THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Anti-aircraft fire streaks across the sky over Baghdad during the attack. What is the extent of the attack? The duration of "Operation Desert Fox" remains an open question. Its scope involves American and British aircraft and U.S. warships.

More U.S. ground troops and planes and a second carrier are headed to the Gulf. Chief among the targets are Saddam's presidential palaces, regarded as key storage points for weapons of mass destruction. Clinton cautioned that unintended Iraqi casualties were a certainty. For the latest updates, go to POSTnet (www.postnet.com) or call POSTline at 923-2323 and tap in 401 7.

MORE ON A6 How does Saddam keep getting into this fix? Saddam and the U. S. have been sparring since 1990, when he invaded neighboring Kuwait. In February 1991, a U.S.-led military coalition pounded Saddam's forces in a ground war that lasted 100 hours. Since then, Saddam has had almost annual showdowns with the U.S.

that usually end with him backing down. Often, they have led to further American attacks. The official U.S. policy is to support enemies of Saddam who want to topple him. Some in Congress say we should try to kill him.

MORE ON A7 Will these attacks settle the issue? No, senior U.S. officials say. They say Iraq's weapons programs will continue and perhaps accelerate. Saddam is expected to permanently ban U.N. weapons inspectors.

That would force the U.S. to leave a large military force in the region for several years, ready to strike Iraq whenever American intelligence finds evidence that the Iraqis are close to deploying chemical, biological or nuclear weapons. MORE ON A6 St. Louis In Other JVeWs County police Weather Partly Blue Cross and Blue I Shield of Kansas Employees of Ehmke Movers adopted a family early enough In the 100 Neediest Cases campaign to provide a Thanksgiving dinner for the family members as well as gifts for Christmas. cloudy.

Hieh 47. PI neediest found more than $1 million cash during a week-Zend traffic stop. The sus- pected drug money was in a Ford Explorer stopped on Interstate 44 for two traffic violations. It is the largest seizure in St. Louis County history.

Bl Low 27. City said Wednesday that It's prepared to offer about $278.25 million for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Missouri and its RightChoice Managed Care subsidiary. CI lyfljrai "linoi basketball tifcil litMJ coach Lon Kruerer Banks, community groups and government agencies pledged $751 million in loans and Investments Wednesday to revitalize St. Louis area rriaay: warily cloudy. High 48.

Other weather, Page B8. ''People have been willing to give whatever it takes to help," said one of the campaign workers. I Michael I Carneal is www.postnet.com sentenced to life in prison for killing three classmates. Before sentencing, tearful acquaintances of victims had their say in court. A5 will head home on Saturday.

ie grew up in the small town of Silver Lake, 60 miles from Kansas City, where his team will face Kansas. It was in Silver Lake that Kruger developed the discipline that made him into one of the top college coaches in the country. Dl and communities. Paula Poster (pictured) learned burglars had broken into her midtown apartment while she was at a news conference touting the revitalization efforts. Bl Donations should be sent to: J00 Neediest Cases RO.

Box 955925 To adopt a St. Louis, Mo. 63195-5925. 421-6060. ObHuarlM, B4-S Claiiifod, Fl Moviei, GET OUT B6 mitt fr''.