Straightforward Statement
In the midst of the 2003 Iraq War, journalist André Duchesne penned a series of columns that captured the mood of the nation. On March 21, 2003, his column was published on page A5 of the newspaper.
The article began with a reference to the war being referred to as a "decapitation attack," suggesting the aim was to cut off the regime's head to make Iraq surrender without a war. However, it's important to note that historical accounts do not suggest a potential assassination attempt on Saddam Hussein during this conflict.
In San Antonio, with its five military bases, preparations were underway for the annual Fiesta, despite the ongoing war. Meanwhile, Mi Tierra Café in the city hosted a trio of Mexican musicians, providing a sense of normalcy amidst the turmoil.
The war started on Wednesday evening at 9:30 PM, and the author expressed a sense of boredom, mentioning watching TV, including CNN and NCAA. The 2003 NCAA tournament was not canceled despite the ongoing conflict, monopolising CBS for three weeks and involving around twenty cities.
The author also shared a conversation with NBA player Tyronn Lue, who compared the difficulty of qualifying for the playoffs with the war. The NCAA president's declaration was firm: "We will not let a tyrant dictate our conduct!"
Security measures were increased in airports, public places, and at borders. A pamphlet in San Antonio advised citizens on what to do in case of a biological attack, suggesting citizens retreat to a shelter with water for at least three days and seal all shelter openings with duct tape.
The initial plan for the war involved a storm of fire and iron, but it was changed to surgical strikes. President Bush accepted CIA Director George Tenet's suggestion, and the missile hit its target, but Saddam apparently escaped unharmed.
The author expressed concern about the public's readiness for potential threats, questioning whether the nation was prepared for the challenges that lay ahead. These reflections provide a glimpse into the thoughts and feelings of the time, offering a unique perspective on one of the most significant events of the early 21st century.
References:
- Iraq War Timeline: Key Events
- Saddam Hussein's Capture
- Assassination Attempts on Saddam Hussein
- Media Coverage of the Iraq War
- Amidst the Iraq War and surrounding politics, general news outlets covered various aspects of war-and-conflicts, including CNN broadcasting the 2003 NCAA tournament despite the ongoing conflict.
- The newspaper article penned by André Duchesne during the Iraq War, besides focusing on the war itself, also delved into politics and general news, commenting on the potential consequences of a biological attack and the public's preparedness.
